London, England, July 5, 2026: The Philippine Olympic Committee has highlighted the remarkable form of 21-year-old left-hander Alex Eala at Wimbledon after her victory over third seed Iga Swiatek of Poland on Saturday, July 4.
In a Facebook post titled “Pure Passion. Pure Heart”, the POC said: “Alex Eala leaves everything on the grass at Wimbledon - and today she made absolute history!
“The entire Philippine Olympic Committee and the whole nation are incredibly proud of Alex for pulling off a stunning upset to dethrone defending champion Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon Round of 32.
“With an electrifying 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 victory, our Filipina ace has officially stormed into the Round of 16. Composure. Power. Precision. A statement win the tennis world won’t forget.
“No matter how far her historic career takes her on the global tour, Alex continues to serve our country exceptionally well.
“She gladly donned the national tricolors of the Philippines during the last SEA Games in Thailand, where she made history by bringing home the women’s singles gold—our country’s first since Maricris Fernandez achieved the feat back in 1999. That is the true mark of a champion who never forgets her roots.”
In a message to Eala, who is seeded 29 at Wimbledon, the POC concluded: “The grit, passion and fighting spirit you displayed against a six-time Grand Slam winner on Centre Court today are exactly why you are an inspiration to the entire nation.
“Keep fighting, keep soaring, Alex. Onward to the Round of 16!”