Alex Eala will aim to extend her career-defining run at Wimbledon later today as she faces No. 13 seed Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round, with a shot at a quarterfinals beth at stake.
Eala has already made tennis history for the Philippines after becoming the first Filipina in the open era to reach the second week of a Grand Slam thanks to wins over Renata Zarazua, Maya Joint and Wimbledon defending champion Iga Swiatek. Now, Paolini is standing between Alex Eala and more history-making greatness.
Another Rematch Awaits Alex Eala
Back in February this year, the 21-year-old Filipina pulled off an upset victory against the Italian Paolini in the Round of 16 of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships..
In that match, the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate won in straight sets after turning her serves—once widely seen as one of her biggest weaknesses—into a major weapon, taking the win from the former world No. 8.
The 30-year-old Paolini had her best campaign back in 2024 when she reached the finals of a Grand Slam tournament, becoming the first Italian woman in tennis history to reach the singles final at Wimbledon.
Despite the runner-up finish, Paolini still earned the praise of many tennis fans during her incredible stint.
In that same year,, Paolini recorded the longest semifinal match in the history of Wimbledon when she defeated Donna Vekić 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8). That match lasted 2 hours and 51 minutes.
The five-time WTA champion has a record of 3-1 in grass so far this season, with all three wins coming at Wimbledon. Paolini’s campaign so far includes wins over Robin Montgomery, Viktorija Golubic, and Maria Sakkari.
As she faces world No. 28 Alex Eala, many fans are intrigued by how this match will unfold, considering the Quezon City native has achieved many accomplishments—including being the first player from the Philippines to reach the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era, surpassing the previous best finishes of Felicisimo Ampon and Raymundo Deyro.
Alex Eala Next Match
Singles (Fourth Round)
Alex Eala vs. Jasmine Paolini
Tournament: Wimbledon
Date: Monday, July 6 (8:30 p.m.)
