Alex Eala has reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
Eala defeated Serena Williams’ conqueror, Maya Joint, in the second round, overcoming the Australian in three sets, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.
The Filipina became the first from her country, male or female, to advance to round three at a major.
Alexandra Eala will finish 2026 ranked — in the world
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Eala will take on defending champion Iga Swiatek next, whom she has played twice before on the WTA Tour.
Ahead of their third career clash, the 21-year-old spoke about Swiatek, as the Pole continues her bid to be the first woman to win consecutive Wimbledon singles titles since 2016.
Alex Eala looks ahead to her clash with Iga Swiatek
Speaking about the upcoming match with Swiatek in her post-match press conference, Eala said: “I think it’s going to be tough for me. I’m going to try to make it tough for her, as well.
“You know, it’s a different surface than we’ve played at before, so I think there should be — definitely there should be some different aspects to the last time.
“I mean, she’s won a slam on grass. She’s won a slam on clay. Has she won a slam on hard? I don’t know.
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“She’s won a slam on hard, so, I mean, you know, I’m expecting a great challenge.
“But I think I’m ready for it. I’m ready to face it head-on, yeah.”
Alex Eala’s record against Iga Swiatek on the WTA Tour
Eala and Swiatek are tied one apiece in the head-to-head, with their most recent matchup going the way of the six-time major champion.
Swiatek came back from a set down to beat Eala at the Madrid Open last year, which didn’t come long after their first clash.
The two had their maiden match at the Miami Open earlier that season, where Eala enjoyed a breakthrough campaign.
Eala beat three seeded players on that run: Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Swiatek.
After beating Swiatek in straight sets, Eala ultimately fell to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
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