Eala's historic Wimbledon run thrills boxing-obsessed Philippines

Alex Eala's historic Wimbledon run thrills boxing-obsessed Philippines Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The 21-year-old's feat has electrified fans back home and renewed interest in tennisByJoel GuintoPublished3 July 2026, 08:51 BSTUpdated 9 minutes agoAlexandra Eala has reached the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon, the furthest any player from the Philippines has gone in a Grand Slam tournament.The 21-year-old's matches have attracted viewing parties and mainstream media coverage in the Philippines - a country obsessed with boxing and basketball.Eala's former Wimbledon doubles partner, Venus Williams congratulated her for making "history" and earlier, Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said he was "so proud" of Eala, encouraging her to "keep it up".On Saturday, Filipino fans will tune in to see whether she can beat defending champion Iga Swiatek and keep her Wimbledon dream alive.Eala has beaten Swiatek before."I think it's going to be tough for me. I'm going to try to make it tough for her, as well," Eala said. "I'm expecting a great challenge. But I think I'm ready for it," said the 29th seed, who is fresh off her win against Australia's Maya Joint."For me to be able to represent the Philippines in Wimbledon, I guess, and in the biggest stages in the world, it means so much to me," Eala told reporters after her second-round victory."I have been working extremely hard. My team has been working extremely hard. I really feel that it's paying off. This win means a lot," she said.Fans have been ecstatic."Thank you for putting my first love tennis on the map and inspiring us all," author and former Miss World finalist Mafae Yunon-Belasco said in a comment on Eala's Instagram post."I am crying with jubilation. Thank you, Lord God, this is for the Philippines' pride," read a comment on...