AIMING to extend her historic Wimbledon run to the quarterfinals, Filipino tennis ace Alexandra "Alex" Eala looks to repeat over Italian Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club likely Monday evening in Manila.
The specific court and time of the round of 16 match had not been revealed as of writing.
World No. 32 Eala first faced No. 17 Paolini last February at the 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships, where the former took a 6-1, 7-6(5) win in the second round (round of 32).
Eala faces Paolini anew oozing with confidence after ousting Wimbledon defending champ and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in the third round (round of 32) last Saturday, 7-6(9), 6-2.
That made Eala the first Filipino singles player in the Open Era to reach the grass major fourth round.
The 21-year-old Eala expects a tough match against the 30-year-old Paolini.
"I think she’s a great player. She is a great fighter, especially it was not an easy match in Dubai for me. It will not be an easy match here either," said Eala in a media availability post-match against Swiatek.
"But then again, every match is a different story. So, I’m gonna do my best to prepare for that one and and you know, focus all my energy and in trying to improve and do better."
Paolini defeated Maria Sakkari in their round of 32 clash, 6-1, 6-2, last Saturday.
The 3-time WTA champion praised Eala's game which she think fits well on the grass surface.
"I know I'm gonna play Eala. I saw a little bit of the last game. I think the game of Eala suits very well to grass. She showed a great level (of play) in Berlin. I think she's a very dangerous player here," said Paolini.
"Let's see how we're going to prepare for the match. I played here already in Dubai this year. I think it's going to be the tough one the next because I think she can play really well here."
The winner between Eala and Paolini faces either Ukranian Marta Kostyuk or American Ashlyn Krueger in the quarterfinals.
World No. 13 Kostyuk and No. 102 Krueger likewise play each other on Monday.
