FOR Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, every match is about more than just winning points — it is also an opportunity to carry the pride of an entire nation.
Although Filipinos make up only a small community in England, Eala has consistently drawn passionate support from her countrymen, turning her Wimbledon matches into virtual home contests.
“We’re very proud of where we come from,” Eala said during her post-match press conference.
“We have a very strong sense of community; you can see it when someone does well. We’re a community that uplifts each other.”
The 21-year-old Filipina etched her name in history after stunning defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday night (Manila time) at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Eala said the overwhelming support reflects the close-knit nature of Filipinos wherever they are in the world.
“We’re quite positive people, and when positive things happen to other Filipinos around the world, I think we just kind of share the enjoyment and share the happiness,” she added.
Fresh off the biggest victory of her career, Eala sets her sights on another milestone as she takes on World No. 17 Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the Round of 16 slated on Monday night (Manila time).
Meanwhile, Eala rose to a new career-high of No. 28 in the WTA live rankings after reaching the Wimbledon fourth round.
No. 32 in the official rankings, Eala raised her total from 1,556 to 1,666 after dethroning Swiatek.
Eala accumulated the same total points as Anastasia Potapova albeit the live rankings put the Austrian ahead at No. 27.
The lefty Philippine player and Potapova are just six points shy of the No. 26 player, American Emma Navarro who has 1,674.
Eala is projected to reach No. 23 in the live rankings if she wins her fourth-round match against Paolini.
