Eala draws Osaka in DC semis after topping Svitolina in Berlin repeat

Sometimes history repeats itself. Alexandra Eala proved that Friday night in Washington, D.C., where she defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4 for the second time in just over a month to reach the semifinals of a WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz event.

Washington: Scores | Order of play | Draws

Eala's first win over Svitolina came on the grass in Berlin in June. This latest result, earned on a hard court, sends her to her third semifinal of 2026 and marks her sixth Top 10 victory of the season. She'll now prepare for her first career meeting with Naomi Osaka, who rallied from a set down to beat Elisabetta Cocciaretto earlier Friday.

"She's such an accomplished player, and I think she's made waves on and off the tennis court for so many reasons," Eala said in her on-court interview. "There's so much respect for her for that, and you know I'm really excited. I haven't had much time to think about it, but I will definitely think about it after I get off court."

Eala has been making waves of her own, backed by a nation and, lately, producing the top-level play to match the fanfare. The 21-year-old again showed she can hang with the world's best in her quarterfinal against Svitolina.

Neither player seized early momentum, trading breaks through the first five games. Eala finally held for 4-2, and that was all she needed. She earned a fourth break in the final game and won nine of the last 10 points to take the opening set.

Svitolina jumped ahead 2-0 early in the second after a highlight-reel get and a flick up the line to consolidate her break. Two games later, she stretched her lead to 3-1 with an ace.

But Eala clawed back, winning three straight games to move in front and later pushing ahead 5-4 to apply scoreboard pressure. Svitolina faltered under it in uncharacteristic fashion. The moment of the match came when Eala's forehand clipped the line by a fraction of a millimeter to set up match point.

Svitolina saved the first two but doubled-faulted on the third, handing Eala the victory and sending her into the semifinals.

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