Courtesy: Wimbledon/ Facebook
She never stops writing history.
Alex Eala stood her ground in the riveting back-and-forth first set to dethrone Iga Swiatek 7-6 (9), 6-2 and march on to the Round of 16 of the Wimbledon in London on Saturday night (Manila time).
“I’m into the second week of a Slam. It’s amazing for me. Iga is a phenomenal player and a good person, I am grateful to share Center Court with her, Wimbledon, nonetheless,” Eala said.
With her stunning victory, the 21-year-old became the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of any Grand Slam event in tennis’ Open Era.
“This is one of the biggest matches of my life for sure,” Eala added.
“This is my dream court. How many times have I dreamed of opportunities like these? To win the first set 11-9, so when I have my opportunities I have to take it. Being here is a blessing, so if I have the chance, I have to take it.”
The 29th seeded Eala held a 5-2 advantage in the tiebreak before the no. 3 seed Swiatek scored four straight points to steal the lead at 6-5.
Eala eventually saved two set points to close out the 1-hour, 24-minute opening set.
Eala then displayed masterclass in the second set in front of Filipino supporters at the Centre Court, the world’s most prestigious and famous tennis venue, as she defeated Swiatek again following her quarterfinal victory at the Miami Open last year.
Eala is now sporting a 2-1 head-to-head record against the world No. 2 Polish superstar.
The world No. 32 Eala will next face 13th seeded Jasmine Paolini of Italy, whom she beat in the Round of 32 of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships last February.
They will fight for a quarterfinal ticket on Monday, July 6.
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