Alex Eala’s 2026 Wimbledon run has officially come to an end after losing to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the tournament’s round of 16.
Photo: Wimbledon/Instagram
On July 6, 2026, Eala, ranked world number 29 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), capped off her journey at the prestigious championship in London after an intense three-set match: 4-6, 6-4, 3-6. This brings Paolini (ranked world number 17) to the tournament’s quarter-finals, where she’ll play against Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk (ranked world number 13).
Watch highlights of Eala’s Wimbledon match against Paolini here:
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Filipinos held 16 watch parties of Eala’s match against Paolini across the metro, making it the country’s first-ever community-wide viewing for tennis. The close fight for a quarter-finals spot had everyone on the edge of their seats, rooting for the 21-year-old Filipina trailblazer as she reached a new career high and earned a standing ovation for her on-court breakthroughs.
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Eala reeled in a variety of firsts at this year’s Wimbledon. These include becoming:
- The first-ever Filipina to win a singles match in the Open Era,
- The first-ever Filipina to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, and
- The first Filipina to reach the round of 16, right before the quarter-finals.
Before playing against Piolini, Eala also defeated women’s singles defending champion, Poland’s Iga Świątek (ranked world number 3), in a 7-6(9), 6-2 match.
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This may be the end of Eala’s Wimbledon journey, but her history-making victories and winning moments will bring pride to Filipinos of all ages for years to come. Her signature tennis gear couldn’t have said it better: “Kapag lumago, hindi na hihinto.” And we’re certain that nothing can stop her from reaching more milestones as an inspiring athlete and role model.
Thank you for making us proud, Alex! Tuloy ang laban para sa pangarap.
ALSO READ: Tennis Fan? This Watch Party Is Streaming Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Match for Free
What are your favorite moments from Alex Eala’s 2026 Wimbledon run? Sound off and share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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