The Wimbledon 2026 had an eventful day on Saturday as Philippines' Alexandra Eala beat Defending Champion Iga Swiatek in third round of the Wimbledon. With this win, Eala also became the first Filipino player in the Open Era to reach the 2nd week of a Slam at Wimbledon. She was overcome with emotions after the match and described what this win meant to her. During the on court interview after the win, Eala was asked, “How does it feel to be standing here after just defeating the defending champion on Centre court?”

To which Alexandra Eala replied with “I don’t know how to describe it. I’m in the 2nd week of a slam. It’s amazing for me. Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person. I’m really grateful to be able to share Centre court with her at Wimbledon. I’m really emotional. Maybe for someone like Iga who’s won so many slams or someone like Serena or Venus, this achievement may seem small.. but for someone who grew up in the Philippines”.

She pulled off for a bit and began crying a bit before finishing with, ‘‘I went to train with my brother and grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and shoes and my chubby cheeks. To her, this is everything.”  

Alexandra Eala stuns Defending champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets

Iga Swiatek was a favourite to win this match and the match started with Iga breaking Eala in the third game to take an early lead with 2-1. However Eala broke back and the first set saw 4 breaks in total as the score read 6-6 after 12 games and it went to tie breaker. In the tie breaker it was once again extremely close but Alexandra Eala managed to win it 11-9 and took the first set. The crowd were completely behind Eala and it was a stunning performance to begin with at the Center Court.

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The second set was complete dominance from the Philippines star as she took a 4-0 lead and had double break already. Alexandra Eala managed to win the second set 6-2 and celebrated like it meant everything to her. She outplayed Iga in the second set to complete the win. Eala smashed 24 winners and was serving really well in the second set which made the difference. It was a big day for her and arguably her biggest win in a slam. After the match, Iga Swiatek admitted that Eala played brave tennis and took her chances which led to the win. Alexandra Eala will face Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16 which will be played on 6th July.