MANILA, Philippines — Italy’s Jasmine Paolini acknowledged that Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has become a dangerous opponent on grass following their hard-fought clash in the fourth round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
Paolini survived a tough three-set battle, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, on Monday to book a spot in the quarterfinals.
The 30-year-old Italian admitted Eala pushed her to the limit, praising the Filipina’s game on the grass courts.
“It was a tough match. Alex, she’s really a tough opponent, especially here on grass,” Paolini said during the post-match press conference.
“Her game was perfect here, and it was a tough battle. I’m proud that I pulled through.”
Paolini also credited her improved approach after suffering a straight-sets loss to Eala, 6-1, 7-5, at the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Championships earlier this season.
This time, the Italian came in with a better game plan, using more variety in her shots to neutralize Eala’s aggressive play.
“In Dubai, I did not approach the match well, and this time I was more present in every point. I knew it was going to be a tough one.”
Despite the defeat, Eala capped off a historic Wimbledon campaign as the first Filipina to reach the second week of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.
