Photo from: Alexandra Eala’s Instagram Post
A message written in Filipino on the back of Alexandra Eala’s white visor reads, “Kapag lumago, hindi na hihinto,” which roughly translates to “Once it grows, it cannot be stopped.” On Saturday, the 21-year-old is scheduled to step onto Centre Court to face defending champion Iga Swiatek in Wimbledon’s third round, representing the latest milestone in a career that has steadily opened new doors for tennis in the Philippines.
Eala has already become the first player from her country to reach the third round of a Grand Slam singles event. The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia with a population of about 110 million, had previously played a minimal role in professional tennis. Eala acknowledged the significance, saying, “It’s an amazing thing for me to be able to do that for my country, but it’s also very emotional every time I’m able to pass a new step or break new ground, because those are personal goals and achievements I’ve been working hard for.” She added that she is proud of the effort that has gone into her progress and appreciates sharing the moment with those following back home.
Her impact has drawn comparisons to how players like Gustavo Kuerten and Joao Fonseca energized tennis interest in Brazil. Filipino fans have increasingly embraced her journey, especially after a breakthrough run at the Miami Open in March 2025. As a 19-year-old wild card ranked 140th, Eala defeated Swiatek, then the world No. 4 on her way to the semifinals, as a result that brought wider attention to her potential.
At Wimbledon this year, large numbers of supporters have queued overnight at Wimbledon Park to secure spots in the stands, a pattern that began earlier in the season. At the Australian Open, the crowd for her matches on smaller courts exceeded available seating, leading to lengthy lines. Eala entered the Championships as the 29th seed, the first Filipino player to be seeded at a Grand slam, and won her first-round match against Rena Zarazua 6-1, 6-2 making her the first from the Philippines to win a main-draw singles match at Wimbledon. In the second round, she came back to beat Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.
The grass surface highlights her left-handed game, where a low skidding slice can disrupt opponents who rely on rhythm. This season, she has recorded wins on grass over world No. 2 and former Wimbledon champion Elana Rybakina, world No. 8 Elina Svitolina, and Donna Vekic, all of whom have reached the Wimbledon semifinals or beyond.
Swiatek, for her part, said after her second-round victory over Karolina Pliskova that she still has aspects of her game to work through on grass, despite being the defending champion. She described Eala’s style as “tricky” and noted that the surface could make it even more difficult. The Polish player acknowledged that facing Eala would present a greater test than her previous rounds.
Eala has experience playing a defending champion on Centre Court. Last year, in her Wimbledon debut, she won the first set against Barbora Krejcikova before losing in three. That appearance, combined with a full season of tour-level champion since, has added to her familiarity with the stage.The message on her visor connects to the sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines a white jasmine that symbolizes humility and hope. “This is my journey, I’m happy to be able to share it with everyone who wants to take part,” Eala said. “For me to be able to represent the Philippines in Wimbledon and on the biggest stages in the world, it means so much.”
Written By: Clarence Pacana
