Alexandra Eala of the Philippines looks on during a women's singles match against Leylah Fernandez of Canada during day three of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn, Getty Images/AFP
WASHINGTON DC -- Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is anticipating a "tough match" when she faces off against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the semifinals of the Mubadala DC Open.
Eala booked her place in the last four with an impressive 6-3, 6-4 win over second seed Elina Svitolina -- the second time this year that she has beaten the Ukrainian veteran.
READ: Alex Eala stuns Svitolina, advances to DC Open semis
"I was feeling the ball pretty well. Definitely tried my best to be aggressive when I could. I'm happy with it," said the 21-year-old.
That result sets up a showdown against Osaka, who had battled past Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her own quarterfinal assignment. Osaka had to come back from a set down before claiming a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 triumph.
For Eala, the match is a dream come true especially as she has witnessed Osaka's rise in their sport as a teenager.
"She achieved so much. Of course, very powerful player. I think a lot of people would watch her finals and her rise. So really excited to be playing her. Going to be a tough match," Eala said.
"I hope it lives up to the expectations," she added. "I'm definitely going to do everything I can, leave it all on court, like always. Of course, Naomi is an amazing player, so it's going to be a tough match for me."
The win over Svitolina gave Eala plenty of confidence, but the Filipina is staying at an even keel throughout her campaign.
"At this level, confidence only does so much. There are so many different aspects, especially when you're playing players of this caliber," she said.
Eala and Osaka will face off at 3:10 a.m., Manila time.