ALEX Eala is guaranteed the biggest paycheck of her professional career regardless of the outcome of her third-round match against defending champion Iga Swiatek at the Wimbledon Championships.
By reaching the third round, Eala has already secured £185,000 (approximately P15 million, based on an exchange rate of P82 per pound).
It is the largest prize money the Filipina tennis star has earned since turning professional.
The amount could increase to £300,000 (more than P24 million) if Eala advances to the fourth round.
This is separate from her earnings in the doubles event, where she and Czech partner Nikola Bartunkova were eliminated in the first round.
First-round losers in the doubles draw received £18,000 (more than P1.4 million) per pair.
Eala advanced to the third round after defeating Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, 6-1, 6-2, in the opening round before rallying past Australia’s Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, in the second round.
Eala is scheduled to face Swiatek at 8:30 p.m. Manila time on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Serena and Venus Williams team up in the women’s doubles at Wimbledon for the first time since winning their sixth title 10 years ago.
Serena’s return to singles tennis after a four-year absence ended in a first-round defeat by Joint.
The 44-year-old has been passed fit enough to play in the doubles alongside Venus despite suffering a knee injury in that match on Centre Court on Tuesday.
Tournament organizers delayed the Williams sisters’ first-round tie until Saturday to give Serena “as much time” as possible to recover, which will please opponent Sierra.
“It’s honestly crazy,” said the Argentinian, who will partner Colombia’s Osorio.
“I never thought I’d get the chance to play against them, and now I have the opportunity to face both of them..
“I’m looking forward to it so much, and I think it’s going to be a great experience.”
Serena and Venus last played the women’s doubles at the All England Club in 2016, when they won their 14th and most recent Grand Slam title as a duo.
WITH AFP
