On the back of Alexandra Eala’s white visor at Wimbledon is a message, written in the language of her native Philippines. It reads, “Kapag lumago, hindi na hihinto”, which roughly translates to, “Once it grows, it cannot be stopped”.
On Saturday, Eala’s blossoming development took its biggest step yet, as the 21-year-old knocked out defending champion Iga Swiatek on Centre Court to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon. It took an epic effort from the 29th seed, first outlasting the erratic six-time grand slam champion in a ******* anic 85-minute first set, then as she battled her own nerves in closing out the win of her life, 7-6 (9) 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes.
It can feel as if Eala breaks new ground for her country wherever she goes. At Wimbledon, history is once again being written in real time. Eala is the first Filipino player to reach the fourth round of a grand slam, having become the first player from her country to win a main draw match at the Championships at the start of the week.
The Philippines is a country of roughly 112 million people - the archipelago in south-east Asia is the 12th most populated country in the world. It is also a nation where its few sports stars are idolised like gods. Eala can remember how her neighbourhood would come to a standstill when legendary boxing champion Manny Pacquiao had a ******* le fight, the occasion feeling like a “holiday” as friends and families took the day off work and came together to watch Pacquiao fly their flag. The Philippines has won only three gold medals at the Olympics but those who did, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and gymnast Carlos Yulo, are still celebrated as national heroes.
The Philippines, though, has never been a tennis country. Before Eala, its impact on the sport had been marginal, if it even had one at all. Not that it matters now, though. As Eala played reigning champion Swiatek on Centre Court, there were watch parties across Manilla. Back home, millions are now attaching their hopes to a 21-year-old who was virtually unknown at the start of last season.
On Saturday, Eala’s blossoming development took its biggest step yet, as the 21-year-old knocked out defending champion Iga Swiatek on Centre Court to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon. It took an epic effort from the 29th seed, first outlasting the erratic six-time grand slam champion in a ******* anic 85-minute first set, then as she battled her own nerves in closing out the win of her life, 7-6 (9) 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes.
It can feel as if Eala breaks new ground for her country wherever she goes. At Wimbledon, history is once again being written in real time. Eala is the first Filipino player to reach the fourth round of a grand slam, having become the first player from her country to win a main draw match at the Championships at the start of the week.
The Philippines is a country of roughly 112 million people - the archipelago in south-east Asia is the 12th most populated country in the world. It is also a nation where its few sports stars are idolised like gods. Eala can remember how her neighbourhood would come to a standstill when legendary boxing champion Manny Pacquiao had a ******* le fight, the occasion feeling like a “holiday” as friends and families took the day off work and came together to watch Pacquiao fly their flag. The Philippines has won only three gold medals at the Olympics but those who did, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and gymnast Carlos Yulo, are still celebrated as national heroes.
The Philippines, though, has never been a tennis country. Before Eala, its impact on the sport had been marginal, if it even had one at all. Not that it matters now, though. As Eala played reigning champion Swiatek on Centre Court, there were watch parties across Manilla. Back home, millions are now attaching their hopes to a 21-year-old who was virtually unknown at the start of last season.
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