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Filipina tennis star Alex Eala defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek to become the first Filipina to reach the second week of Wimbledon. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala could barely find the words as she stood Centre Court at the All England Club, having just defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek to become the first Filipina to reach the second week of Wimbledon.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” she said after the match. “I’m really emotional. Maybe for someone like Iga, who has won so many slams, or maybe 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 chubby cheeks. So to be here, this is everything,” she recalled.
Alex Eala dethrones defending champion Iga Swiatek, advances to Wimbledon fourth round
She paused and laughed then switched the mood from emotional to fighting for next round.
“Obviously, because I’m emotional does not mean I’m satisfied. So — okay, next round. Let’s go!” the 21-year old said.
Eala described the Wimbledon Centre Court as the place she had always dreamed of competing on.
“This is my dream court. I’m really happy with the atmosphere that you guys gave — thank you so much for cheering me on. How many times have I dreamed of opportunities like this?”
“Being here is a blessing. I worked super, super hard to get here. And I’m taking it. If I have the chance, I’m taking it.”
On what it meant to see the Philippine flag waving in the crowd throughout the match, Eala was equally heartfelt.
Alex Eala writes history for PH in 'electric' Wimbledon atmosphere
“It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on and knowing that we’re all in this together,” she said. “This goes out to them. This goes out to my family. This goes out to all of the little girls who had ruffled socks and chubby cheeks. It means the world.”
Eala’s run has captured the hearts of the Wimbledon crowd and a nation watching from thousands of miles away.
She gears up to face WTA No. 17 Jasmine Paolini next who holds a career high record of no. 4.
Paolini beat Maria Sakarri in straight sets to set up the 4th round clash with Eala.