Alexandra Eala Made History Becoming First Filipina to Reach Second Week of a Grand Slam

She’s making her country proud as the people of her island nation cheer her on. The Wimbledon tournament has seen some upheavals this year as top players have been bounced from the contest. Today another was sent packing by the up-and-coming tennis player. Alexandra Eala made history becoming the first Filipina to reach the second week of a Grand Slam. Eala currently the No. 29 seed dethroned defending champion and No. 3 seed Swiatek.

The 21-year-old Eala did it in a 7-6 (9), 6-2 third-round saving two set points in a riveting 84-minute opening set. She had previously set history by being the first Filipina to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, Eala is now the first from her country to advance to the second week of a major. The elation she experienced was evident by her reaction. She dropped to her knees and rolled onto her back on Centre Court.

Afterward she paid homage to her fellow countrymen saying:

“It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on and knowing that we’re all in this together,” she said in an on-court interview as she looked around at the Philippines flags. This goes out to them, this goes out to my family, this goes out to all the little girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks. It means the world,” said the 29th-seeded Eala.

She went on to describe what this victory meant to her:

I’m really emotional,” she said, tearing up. “Maybe for someone like Iga, who’s won so many Slams, or maybe for someone like Serena or Venus, this achievement may seem small. But for someone who grew up in the Philippines — I went to train with my brother and my grandfather every day after school, with my ruffled socks and light-up shoes and chubby cheeks. But because I’m emotional does not mean I’m satisfied. So next round, let’s go!”

Alexandra Eala Made History Becoming First Filipina to Reach Second Week of a Grand Slam

But as we mentioned this Wimbledon tournament has been full of surprises. Prior to Swiatek’s exit, No. 2 Elena Rybakina was upset in the third round by Elise Mertens 7-6 (4), 6-1. Thanks to that loss, Aryna Sabalenka — who faces Naomi Osaka in the fourth round on Sunday — will keep her No. 1 ranking after the tournament. Also, Madison Keys rallied to oust the sixth-seeded Anisimova 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Saturday’s victory was Eala’s first signature win at a Grand Slam. Before this year’s Wimbledon, she owned a 1-5 record in major main draws. Hopefully she will continue her winning ways and being a breath of fresh air for women’s tennis.

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