Alexandra Eala and Maya Joint are set to contest their second match on the WTA Tour.
Eala advanced to the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday after beating Renata Zarazua in straight sets, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a main draw match at the major event.
How far will Alex Eala go at Wimbledon this year?
She was dominant in her first-round match…
Meanwhile, Joint overcame the challenge of a returning Serena Williams, triumphing 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 over the seven-time Wimbledon singles champion.
Just over one year ago, Joint defeated Eala in an enthralling Eastbourne Open final.
The Australian defeated Eala 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, saving four championship points en route to victory.
Eala cut an emotional figure after the gut-wrenching loss – understandably so after coming so close to winning her first WTA Tour title.
Alex Eala described her loss to Maya Joint in the 2025 Eastbourne Open final as ‘heartbreaking’
“I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and great tournament,” Eala said after the match, as reported by the WTA.
“I think you did really well and I think if I were to lose to anyone this week it’d definitely be you so congratulations.
“This is my first WTA final – it’s a big deal for me and for my country too because it’s historic, I guess that’s also why I’m so emotional.
“Wimbledon is next week so hopefully I’ll forget about this match soon.”
Eala later posted a message on social media, further emphasising the heartbreak she was feeling.
Alexandra Eala’s run to the 2025 Eastbourne Open final
- R1: defeated Hailey Baptiste 6-7, 7-6, 6-1
- R2: defeated Lucia Bronzetti 6-0, 6-1
- R3: defeated Jelena Ostapenko 0-6, 6-2, 3-2 [RETIRED]
- QF: defeated Dayana Yastremska 6-1, 6-2
- SF: defeated Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
- F: lost to Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7
“Thank you everyone for the love,” she said on Instagram
“This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character.
“Though I’m so happy with the positive week, it’s full speed ahead to Wimbledon. I have a date with Centre Court.”
Eala did indeed have a ‘date’ with Wimbledon Centre Court.
The Filipina had been drawn against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in the first round.
Krejcikova ultimately emerged victorious from their Centre Court affair, winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Will Alex Eala ever win a Grand Slam title?
Who could Alex Eala or Maya Joint play in the Wimbledon third round?
The winner of Alexandra Eala and Maya Joint will play Iga Swiatek or Karolina Pliskova in the Wimbledon third round.
Swiatek is the defending champion in south-west London, while Pliskova is a former finalist and ex-world number one.
Eala, who has a 1-1 record against Swiatek, famously defeated the Polish star at the 2025 Miami Open en route to the semi-finals.
Joint has a 0-2 record against Swiatek, losing at the 2025 Korea Open and 2026 United Cup.
Neither Eala nor Joint has contested a match against Karolina Pliskova in the past.
One thing is for certain, whoever wins out of Eala and Joint will make their debut appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam.
