PHThe Philippines' Alexandra Eala returns to Poland's Iga Swiatek during their women's singles third round tennis match on the sixth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in southwest London on July 4, 2026. Photo by Henry Nicholls, AFP(UPDATED) Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala keeps on making history for the Philippines.
Eala dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.
The 21-year-old tennis ace—who was, before this, already the country's first Filipina to reach third round of a Grand Slam—will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16.
"I don't know how to describe it. I mean, I went to the second week of a Slam and it's amazing for me. Iga (Swiatek) is a phenomenal player and a really nice person so I'm really grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her at Wimbledon nonetheless," said the grateful Eala, who relished the opportunity in an interview right after the match.
The 29th seed was tested a lot in the 84-minute first set, losing a 5-3 (40-30) set point leverage in the opener as well as a 5-2 tiebreak edge to the rallying Swiatek.
Eala dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.
The 21-year-old tennis ace—who was, before this, already the country's first Filipina to reach third round of a Grand Slam—will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16.
"I don't know how to describe it. I mean, I went to the second week of a Slam and it's amazing for me. Iga (Swiatek) is a phenomenal player and a really nice person so I'm really grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her at Wimbledon nonetheless," said the grateful Eala, who relished the opportunity in an interview right after the match.
The 29th seed was tested a lot in the 84-minute first set, losing a 5-3 (40-30) set point leverage in the opener as well as a 5-2 tiebreak edge to the rallying Swiatek.