Eala credits Filipinos after stunning Swiatek at Wimbledon

Alex Eala defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6, 6-2 in the third round of Wimbledon on Saturday, the biggest win of her career. The 21-year-old Filipino broke Swiatek twice in the second set and saved all three break points she faced. Her forehand down the line repeatedly opened the court. She neutralized Swiatek’s heavy topspin by taking the ball early.

Eala credited the Filipino fans who filled the stands. “We’re very proud of where we come from,” she said afterward. “We have a very strong sense of community. You can see it when someone does well. We’re a community that uplifts each other.”

Eala said the support reflects the close-knit nature of Filipinos. “We’re quite positive people. When positive things happen to other Filipinos around the world, I think we just kind of share the enjoyment and share the happiness,” she added.

Eala, now world No. 28, faces world No. 17 Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the Round of 16. Paolini has not dropped a set in three matches, beating Sorana Cirstea and Emma Raducanu.

Eala’s grass-court game has sharpened over the past month. She won a warm-up event in Eastbourne, beating three top-30 players. Against Swiatek, she served at 68% first-serve percentage and won 78% of those points. When she misses her first serve, that number drops to 52%, per tournament stats. Paolini is an elite returner. She ranks fourth in return points won on grass this season. Eala will need to hold serve consistently.