MANILA, Philippines — In front of a loud de facto home crowd, Alex Eala made history as the first Filipino tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles match in the "Open Era" as she dominated Mexican Renata Zarazua, 6-1, 6-2, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Court 12 early Wednesday in Manila.
The Open Era began in 1968 when professional players were finally allowed to compete in Grand Slams.
The late Felicisimo Ampon and Raymundo Dero were the lone Filipino netters to win Wimbledon singles matches before the Open Era.
Treat Huey won multiple Wimbledon matches in the Open Era albeit he did it in men's doubles.
With the win, Eala also avenged her 6-3, 4-6, 3-6 loss to Zarazua in the 2024 W100 Cary Tennis Classic quarterfinals.
Eala advanced to the second round (round of 64) where she faces either the returning women's tennis GOAT Serena Williams or Aussie Maya Joint.
