Alex Eala to face Naomi Osaka in Mubadala DC Open semis

Alex Eala moved one step closer to her first WTA Tour title after scoring a repeat win over world No. 10 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala DC Open.

The Filipina tennis star claimed the quarterfinal match, taking the first set, 6-3, after both players traded service breaks early.

She then fought back after trailing 3-1 in the second set, winning three straight games to complete a 6-4 victory over world No. 10 Elina Svitolina.

“I think I came in with a great mindset today. I think I was playing very well, and of course Elina hit some good shots. She was being aggressive, especially in that second set," she said after the match. “So I’m really happy that I was able to keep my rhythm.”

The victory mirrored Eala's win over Svitolina at the Berlin Tennis Open in June, where she also won 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals of a WTA Tour event.

She is set to face world No. 13 Naomi Osaka, who defeated Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto, in the semifinals.

"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 of Osaka during 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," she added.

"I'm super excited. I hope it lives up to the expectations," Eala said. "I'm definitely going to do everything I can and 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 followed Eala's victories over defending champion Leylah Fernandez and world No. 4 Zheng Qinwen earlier in the tournament.

The semifinal will also see top seed Jessica Pegula take on fourth seed Diana Shnaider for a spot in the final. The matches are happening on Aug. 2 (PH time).