MIAMI: Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old wildcard from the Philippines, produced a huge upset at the Miami Open on Wednesday, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek 6-2 7-5 to reach the semifinals.
Ranked 140th in the world, Eala, the first woman from her country to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament, took advantage of a unusually poor display from Swiatek, keeping her focus as she fought back from 4-2 down in the second set.
Eala broke the Pole for the eighth and final time when Swiatek was serving to stay in the match at 6-5 down in the second set and looked in disbelief as she struggled to contain her emotions.
“It’s just surreal,” said Eala, who has now beaten three grand slam winners on her route to the last four at Miami — having dealt with Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys before upsetting four-time French Open champion Swiatek.
“I’m trusting my shots and I have a great team to tell me that I can do it,” she said.
Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.
Eala will face the winner of Wednesday’s quarter-final between Britain’s Emma Raducanu and American Jessica Pegula.

JEDDAH: The fourth Rally Jameel, the world-class navigational rally for women in the region starting on April 22, is set to ignite another exciting year of motorsports action in the Kingdom with a challenging mix of terrains, desert dunes and mountain trails.

This year’s event boasts a record number of participants and international representation, with 70 teams representing 39 countries and 25 motorsport federations, underscoring its global appeal and growing status as a premier motorsport event for women.

For the first time, Rally Jameel will start in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia.

The six-day journey will cover 1,500 km, traversing five cities, including Tabuk, AlUla, Hail and Qassim. Competitors will navigate through some of the region’s most stunning and historically rich landscapes, with many stages set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reinforcing the rally’s role in promoting adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport. This year’s edition not only builds on past successes but also introduces new challenges and opportunities for competitors. With an expanded route, the rally elevates the competition, allowing participants to experience a blend of history, strategy and adventure like never before. We look forward to welcoming all participants for what promises to be a milestone edition.”

The 2025 event takes competitors through some of the most breathtaking and rarely explored landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This year’s expanded route offers a test of endurance and skill, blending the thrill of motorsport with the essence of adventure tourism, as participants navigate diverse terrains, from desert dunes to rugged mountain trails.

From the rose-red cliffs of Petra to Tabuk’s mountain landscapes, AlUla’s sandstone formations, Hail’s legacy as an ancient trade hub and Qassim’s deep-rooted heritage in Arabian hospitality, competitors will navigate a course that is as demanding as it is awe-inspiring. Each stage offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich cultural heritage, diverse topography and storied past — transforming the rally into more than just a competition.

Reflecting on her experience, last year’s champion Ewelina Chlebowska said: “Rally Jameel 2024 was an unforgettable experience and winning it was a proud moment that pushed me to my limits. Every stage tested my ability to adapt, strategize and stay focused under pressure. Coming back this year, I’m excited to take on new challenges and see how the rally’s expansion elevates the competition even further.”

Second-place winner Maha Al Hamali added: “This rally is about determination, strategic thinking and skill. Competing alongside incredible women from around the world not only pushes you to be your best but also fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The upcoming edition will set a new benchmark, bringing even greater competition and opportunities for growth, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

Since its inception in 2022, Rally Jameel has championed women’s participation in motorsports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by breaking barriers and fostering a platform where skill and determination take center stage. Unlike traditional speed-based rallies, Rally Jameel focuses on navigation and strategy, offering competitors an experience that blends adventure with technical expertise.