Photo: @alex.eala instagram
Filipina tennis trailblazer takes a set off defending champion Krejčíková
LONDON — History was made on Centre Court as Alexandra “Alex” Eala became the first Filipina in the Open Era to compete in the Wimbledon women’s singles main draw. The 20-year-old left-hander made an early statement by taking the first set against defending champion Barbora Krejčíková, before eventually falling in a competitive three-set match, 3–6, 6–2, 6–1.
Eala opened confidently, breaking Krejčíková’s serve and attacking with controlled aggression to claim the first set 6–3. The Czech veteran, however, found her rhythm in the second set and began forcing errors from the young Filipina. Krejčíková took the next two sets 6–2, 6–1, sealing the match in just over two hours.
According to Reuters, Krejčíková committed five double faults in the opening set before regaining control through improved service and consistent baseline pressure. She later praised Eala’s performance, saying, “What the hell she played in the first set?… She’s going to be really good in a couple of years.”
Despite the first-round loss, Eala’s 2025 season remains her most impressive to date:
- She reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 56 on June 30, the highest-ever for a Filipino tennis player.
- In March, she made a surprise run to the semifinals of the Miami Open, scoring breakthrough victories against top-ranked players including Madison Keys and Iga Świątek.
- In June, she became the first Filipina to reach a WTA Tour singles final, finishing runner-up at the Eastbourne International.
FINAL SCORE: Barbora Krejčíková def. Alexandra Eala — 3–6, 6–2, 6–1
I am not from Alex Ealas’ country but I Absolutely Love her & her tennis. She is great now and will be even greater! So sorry she lost to Krejikova but definitely did not lose face. EALA is as gracious losing and & winning at such a young age!