Alex Eala sustained her strong 2026 campaign after defeating No. 2 seed Elina Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala DC Open on Saturday (Philippine time) to advance to the semifinals.

The 21-year-old Filipina, ranked world No. 28, turned in a composed performance against the world No. 10, weathering early pressure and capitalizing on key break opportunities to secure a straight-sets victory.

Eala gained the upper hand in a tightly contested opening set marked by multiple service breaks, pulling away with a crucial hold for a 5-3 lead before closing it out, 6-3.

Svitolina responded in the second set, racing to a 3-1 advantage after an early break. Eala, however, quickly regrouped, breaking back to level at 3-3 and stringing together consecutive games to wrest control.

The Ukrainian veteran stayed within striking distance, holding serve to tie the set at 4-4 and saving two match points in the final game. Eala, unfazed, held her nerve and sealed the win after forcing another opportunity at deuce.

With the victory, Eala reaches her third semifinal of the 2026 season.

She will face former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, currently ranked No. 13, in the semifinals as she bids for a place in the final of the WTA 500 tournament.

The win adds to Eala’s growing list of victories over higher-ranked opponents this season, underscoring her continued rise on the women’s tour.