By Danielle Tiu
MANILA — Pinay tennis ace Alex Eala added another milestone to Philippine sports history after defeating reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.
Already the first Filipina to reach the tournament’s third round, Eala pushed her historic run even further by advancing to the Round of 16, where she is set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Speaking moments after the victory, Eala expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on one of tennis’ most iconic stages.
“I don’t know how to describe it. Reaching the second week of a Grand Slam is incredible. Iga is a phenomenal player and a wonderful person, and I’m thankful to have shared Centre Court with her,” she said.
The opening set featured several momentum swings. Eala was unable to convert a chance to finish the set before eventually prevailing in an intense 11-9 tiebreak after fending off Swiatek’s comeback.
She carried that confidence into the second set, jumping out to a commanding lead before holding off a late response from the Polish star to complete the straight-set victory.
Eala’s triumph represented her second career win over Swiatek and her seventh against a Top 10 opponent, underscoring her rapid rise among the world’s elite players.
A victory in the next round would make Eala the first Filipino singles player since Felicisimo Ampon in 1953 to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam winner, struggled with consistency throughout the match, recording 44 unforced errors while falling short in her bid to defend the Wimbledon crown.
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