Eala received a walkover in the fourth round when Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa withdrew injured, but showed again why she is regarded as an emerging star in Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Fearless, ferocious and hitting a flurry of winners, Eala produced a quality performance in her first career match against Swiatek.
However, they had met previously when Swiatek, along with 22-time major champion Nadal, presented Eala with her graduation certificate two years ago.
“It’s so surreal,” added Eala, who had Nadal’s uncle, and former coach, Toni, in her coaching box against Swiatek. “I’m so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage.
“My coach told me to run, to go for every ball, to take all the opportunities I can, because a five-time Slam champion is not going to give you the win.”
