Alexandra Eala’s historic Wimbledon run has finally come to an end, beaten earlier today by Jasmine Paolini in an enthralling three-set affair.
In the end, it was a match of remarkably fine margins, with the Italian converting the only break point of the entire third set to win the match.
She was all smiles after the match, whilst her opponent, who had already made her country proud by reaching this stage of a major, left the court in a hurry. The contrasting emotions at the end of a great tennis clash like this one are what make the sport so truly engaging and unique.
Jasmine Paolini, speaking afterwards, had little to say about Alexandra Eala. Instead, her focus was mainly on the royal box, and a very special guest who was watching on: Roger Federer.
Jasmine Paolini speaks straight after knocking Alex Eala out of Wimbledon
She began by discussing how it felt to win again on Centre Court, as a former finalist here two years ago.
Paolini claimed: “It’s great. Stepping on this court is something special, and I was looking forward to it. Thank you because there is an amazing atmosphere. It is something else to play tennis here. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity; I feel lucky to get the win as well.
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“I want to thank you as well, Roger. He is my idol! I was like, during the match, please stay focused, don’t think he is here. I was watching all the finals and tournaments he was playing, so it is an amazing feeling.
“I would like to thank everybody who is here. You make this tournament so special. It’s an amazing feeling to be here with the win.”
With each passing match, it feels like Paolini is growing in confidence. She discussed this rhythm she appears to have fallen into by stating: “I came here without many matches. I played very few matches in the last month, and after the first set in the first round I was thinking it can only go better. Point by point and game by game I am feeling myself getting better on these kinds of courts.
“Grass is a weird surface. Sometimes you love it, sometimes you can hurt it. But when you play well and feel good, I think it’s the best surface to play. Today I was playing well, so hopefully I can play another good match.”
She finished by reinforcing how hard she’s worked to be back in the Wimbledon quarter-finals: “It was really tough. There were tough moments, but we kept working with my team, supporting me every day and match by match I am feeling better.
“I feel in the right way when I compete on court, and that’s the most important thing for me to be positive and enjoy my tennis. I love what I do, so I am grateful for that. I have to enjoy. I think that’s my superpower.”
Eala gained praise from Maria Sharapova after her win against Iga Swiatek in the last round. Although today’s loss will be incredibly hard to take, it has still been a hugely iconic run, and one to remember.
Jasmine Paolini’s strange 2026 campaign continues
Many have been baffled watching Paolini this year, as she has tried and failed to find consistency in her game.
It’s indicative of her unpredictability that this ongoing run, at Wimbledon no less, now marks the first event of 2026 where she has won three straight matches.
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Every other tournament, whether that be a WTA 250, 1000 or Grand Slam event, has seen her exit within the first three rounds.
Few expected Paolini to become a dominant and ever-present powerhouse following her stunning 2024 season where she reached two major finals, but some degree of consistency was expected.
Hopefully, this fine run can prove to be the catalyst that reignites her faltering career, as she strives to break back into the world’s top ten.
