Alexandra Eala's sensational Miami Open run is also set to come with a huge payday as the 19-year-old is one win away from collecting more money in one tournament than she has earned so far in her entire career.
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Entering Miami, the Filipina had pocketed only $40k in prize money this year and her career total stood at $498k. By reaching the semis at the WTA 1000 tournament in South Beach, the rising star is already guaranteed to earn $332k.
If Eala - whose list of players beaten in Miami includes Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko - pulls off another big win and also gets past Jessica Pegula in the semifinal, she will pocket $598k as a finalist. And in case she goes all the way, she will be rewarded with a $1.1 million cheque.
Eala on 'cloud nine' after a stunning Swiatek win
The world No. 140, who made the Miami main draw via a wildcard, pulled one of the upsets of the year after beating the Polish five-time Grand Slam champion 6-2 7-5. From start to finish, the Filipina went toe-to-toe with the former world No. 2 and even the Pole acknowledged after the match that she was under constant pressure and that it wasn't easy for her to impose her usual game.
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I dont know what to say. Im in complete disbelief right now, and Im on cloud nine," Eala said on the court after beating Swiatek.
When reflecting on her win, the wildcard noted that her plan was simply to be aggressive and see if she could do something because a player like Swiatek will never just hand you a win.
My coach told me to run, to go for every ball, to take all the opportunities I can because a five-time (grand) slam champion is not going to give you the win," the 19-year-old said.
