Alex Eala recorded one of the greatest victories of her career by beating Iga Swiatek on Saturday afternoon.
Eala, who had won just one Grand Slam match prior to Wimbledon, has advanced to the fourth round in south-west London.
The Filipina, 21, took advantage of Swiatek’s nervous play, playing lights out tennis en route to a 7-6, 6-2 victory on Centre Court.
How many Grand Slams will Alex Eala win in her career? 🏆
She's just knocked out the defending Wimbledon champion!
“Of course this is one of the biggest matches of my life, for sure, and this is my dream court and I am really happy with the atmosphere you guys gave,” Eala said after clinching victory.
Eala will have been even more delighted when she read the short congratulatory message from her idol, Maria Sharapova.
Maria Sharapova’s message for Alex Eala
It is no secret that Alex Eala looks up to five-time major champion Maria Sharapova.
“I looked up to so many players, but my super idol is Maria Sharapova,” Eala said last year, as reported by Philstar. “The way she plays, her mentality, and the way she presented herself.”
Eala reiterated these sentiments a year later during an interview with ANC 24/7.
“Maria was my super idol growing up,” Eala remarked. “She was it – I loved the way she dressed, I loved the way she fought.
“I was lucky enough to meet her when I was five years old,” said Eala, holding a picture of herself with Sharapova from when she was a child.
Alex Eala’s Wimbledon campaign so far
- R1: defeated Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-2
- R2: defeated Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0
- R3: defeated Iga Świątek 7-6, 6-2
- R4: Jasmine Paolini
On Saturday evening, Sharapova left a heart-warming comment under an Instagram post celebrating Eala’s victory.
“A star!” Sharapova stated.
Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest athletes in sports history – let alone Filipino sports history – also commented on the post.
Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world championships in eight weight divisions, commented a Filipino flag with a ‘raised hands’ emoji.
Eala will now turn her attention towards her fourth round match in south-west London.
The 21-year-old is due to play 13th seed Jasmine Paolini.
Eala famously defeated Paolini earlier this year at the Dubai Tennis Championships, triumphing 6-1, 7-6 in the United Arab Emirates.
The winner of Eala and Paolini will play either Ashlyn Krueger or Marta Kostyuk in the quarter-finals.
Where will Iga Swiatek be ranked at the end of 2026?
Alex Eala now has a great chance to reach the Wimbledon final
It is difficult not to include Eala in Wimbledon title contender discussions following her victory over Iga Swiatek.
The Filipina has defeated the defending champion – far from an insignificant accomplishment.
Moreover, Eala is playing in the bottom half of the draw – a section of the draw that has been blown wide open following Elena Rybakina’s surprising defeat on Saturday.
Wimbledon RO16 matches
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka
- Karolina Muchová vs Barbora Krejcikova
- Jessica Pegula vs Iva Jovic
- Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic
- Ashlyn Krueger vs Marta Kostyuk
- Alex Eala vs Jasmine Paolini
- Madison Keys vs Linda Noskova
- Elise Mertens vs Marie Bouzkova
Following Rybakina’s loss, ninth seed Linda Noskova is now the highest seed remaining in the bottom half.
With some of the draw’s big hitters now absent, can Eala take advantage and advance further in the tournament?
Eala’s fans will find out on Monday when she plays Jasmine Paolini.
