Alex Eala ousts Iga Swiatek, advances to Wimbledon last 16

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Iga Swiatek – Wimbledon third round

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala celebrates beating Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their women’s singles third round tennis match on the sixth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Henry NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, 7-6(9), 6-2, on Saturday to reach the last 16 and continue to make history at Wimbledon.

As Swiatek expected, Eala proved trickier to face in their third meeting, this time on the Grand Slam stage and at Centre Court, no less.

True enough, Eala survived a marathon in the first set before catching fire in the second to extend her historic Wimbledon run into the fourth round, where she will face Jasmine Paolini.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Alex Eala writes history for Philippines at Wimbledon

FEATURED STORIES

SPORTS

SPORTS

SPORTS

Playing her best tennis yet, the Filipino tennis ace reached the round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career since competing in the main draw last year.

Eala was on the brink of winning the first set with a 5-3 lead and a 40-30 advantage in the ninth game, but Swiatek fought her way back to level at 5-5. Eala later earned another set point, only for the Polish star to force a tiebreak.

The 21-year-old Filipino held four set points in the tiebreak before finally outlasting the six-time Grand Slam singles champion after an hour and 24 minutes to seize the opening set.

Article continues after this advertisement

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines plays a return during the third round women’s singles match against Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)

“Opportunities like this… I have to take it because being here is a blessing. I worked super, super hard to get here, and I’m taking it. If I have it, I have the chance, I’m taking it,” Eala said after her victory was met with a standing ovation.

Swiatek, the third seed of the tournament, ran out of gas in the second as Eala raced to a 4-0 lead. She champion finally stopped the bleeding with a dominant fifth game and won another to trim the deficit to 4-2.

READ: Alex Eala’s ‘tricky game’ makes Iga Swiatek cautious

Article continues after this advertisement

Eala responded with a strong hold in the seventh game to move within one game of victory at 5-2. Swiatek threatened to extend the match by earning five break points in the next game.

But the history maker from the Philippines scored back-to-back forehand attacks to take the advantage and nailed the winner to end Swiatek’s reign.

A moment Alex Eala will never forget. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/2tGGkmzNC1

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2026

“Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person so I’m really grateful to be able to share Center Court with her at Wimbledon nonetheless,” Eala said of Swiatek, who won her first Wimbledon title a year ago.

Eala now leads the head-to-head series, 2-1, against Swiatek, winning their showdown on grass.

Her breakthrough started last year when she upset the former World No.2 Swiatek on the hardcourts of the Miami Open, which led to a dream run to the semifinals of the WTA 1000.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Swiatek got back at Eala in the second round of the Madrid Open in three sets, asserting her mastery of the clay surface.

Eala, in her first seeded campaign in a Grand Slam at No.29, took down Aussie Maya Joint with a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 win. She gained her first Wimbledon triumph against Mexican Renata Zarazua, 6-1, 6-2.