Alex Eala gets tennis world’s respect, admiration

MANILA, Philippines – The standing ovation, despite her fourth-round exit from the most revered among tennis’ four Grand Slams, said it all: Alexandra “Alex” Eala has earned global respect and admiration.

The girl who dared to dream big and put the Philippines on the world tennis map lost to Italian 13th seed Jasmine Paolini, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, on Centre Court at London’s All England Club on Monday.

READ: Alex Eala’s Wimbledon run ends with loss to ex-finalist Jasmine Paolini

However, she exited like a champion, the crowd behind the 21-year-old whom the match commentator described as a player who is “very easy to like.”

The PhilSports Arena in Pasig City hosted a free live screening of Eala’s match.

Eala was bidding to become the first Filipino to reach a singles Grand Slam quarterfinal since Felicisimo Ampon at the 1953 French Open.

READ: Alex Eala’s 2026 campaigns

She beat Paolini in the round of 32 of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, 6-1, 7-6(5). But the 30-year-old runner-up in 2024 got the better of Eala this time, inspired by her idol, eight-time champion Roger Federer, who was among the guests in the Royal Box,

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. posted a message on social media for Eala after the two-hour, 22-minute match.

“This remarkable Wimbledon run may have come to an end. But after what you have accomplished, I believe the world has only begun to see what Filipinos are capable of,” Marcos posted.

“Thank you, Alex Eala, for proving that no dream is beyond the reach of a Filipino who dares to dream and works for it. The whole nation is proud of you. You will always be our champion!”

READ: Alex Eala: Nation’s pride and her family’s joy

It was Paolini’s first time on Centre Court since losing to Czech Barbora Krejcikova in the finals two years ago.

“Stepping on this court is something special, and I was looking forward to it,” Paolini said in her on-court interview.

“Here there is an amazing atmosphere. It’s something else to play tennis here, you know, and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. I feel lucky to get the win as well, and I want to thank you as well, Roger, because (you’re) my idol.”

Paolini, the world No. 17, became the first Italian woman to reach multiple Wimbledon quarterfinals.

In the last eight, she will face 12th seed Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who advanced earlier Monday with a 6-4, 6-4 win over American Ashlyn Krueger in one hour and 23 minutes. (PNA)

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