MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, on Saturday at Centre Court to become the first Filipino to reach the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships.
The 21-year-old Eala described the victory as the biggest of her career and said the milestone carries special significance because of her upbringing in the Philippines, where tennis is not a major sport.
“I’m really emotional. Maybe for someone like Iga, who has won so many slams, or maybe someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement may seem small, but for someone who grew up in the Philippines… You know I went to train with my brother and my grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and my light up shoes and chubby cheeks,” Eala said after the match.
“To her, this is everything.”
Eala, however, said she remains focused on advancing further in the tournament.
“Obviously, because I’m emotional does not mean I’m satisfied. So next round, let’s go,” she said.
The Filipino will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round.
Eala thanked the spectators at Centre Court and dedicated the victory to her supporters in the Philippines.
“This is one of the biggest matches of my life, for sure. And this is my dream court, so I’m really happy with the atmosphere that you guys gave. Thank you so much for cheering me on,” she said.
The 29th seed opened her Wimbledon campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazua before rallying past Australia’s Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, in the second round.
Her victory over world No. 3 Swiatek marked their third career meeting and their first on grass and in a Grand Slam tournament.
Eala said she dedicated the achievement to her family, her fellow Filipinos and young athletes in the Philippines.
“It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on, and knowing that, you know, we’re all in this together. So this goes out to them, this goes out to my family, this goes out to all of the little girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks. It means the world,” she said.
