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Alex Eala can’t stop winning, and we love to see it. After bowing out in her first match during her debut appearance at Wimbledon last year, Eala isn’t just doing well in her return to the famed competition; she’s practically making history at every step of the way.
To recap, Eala already earned even more recognition in the history books when she became the first-ever Filipina to be seeded in a Grand Slam singles draw, the first Filipino to score a victory in a singles main draw match at Wimbledon in the Open Era, and the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. And now, she adds one more accomplishment as she advances to the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
RELATED: Alex Eala Is Already a History Maker at Wimbledon
Alex Eala Dethrones a Reigning Champion
For her third match at Wimbledon, Eala faced Iga Swiatek, a formidable opponent whom Eala had competed against before. Not only is Swiatek currently ranked World No. 3, but she is also the defending champion of the Wimbledon ladies’ singles tennis title. It seemed like the odds were stacked against the Gen Z Filipina, but always one to defy the odds, Eala scored a 7-6(9), 6-2 victory for an upset that had the crowd at Centre Court on their feet. Eala didn’t just best one of the top-ranked players in the world but also ended the run of the defending champion.
She defied the odds, but Eala also showcased just how much she’s grown since she was last at Wimbledon. Her success is a product of her hard work, determination, and generational talent. It’s the kind of story that feels made for the movies, but Eala is living it with her career-defining and history-making run at Wimbledon. The moment reminds us of Eala’s 2025 US Open run, where, despite ultimately getting eliminated, she defeated multiple Grand Slam title holders, including Swiatek herself, in what felt like a Cinderella story come to life.
Her post-match interview summed up how special the victory is saying ““Maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many slams … or maybe someone like Serena or Venus this achievement may seem small, but for someone who grew up in the Philippines. … for her this is everything.” This win is for the little girl with the chubby cheeks, ruffled socks, and light up shoes who followed her dreams with little assurance that it would pay off.
Now, Eala, as the first Filipino in history to make it to the fourth round of a Grand Slam, has gone further than any Filipino in history has gone in a Grand Slam as she paves new ground for Philippine tennis. Up next for the young athlete is her match against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16, as Eala is just one win away from reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
Featured Image: WIMBLEDON
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