All The Best Moments You Might've Missed After Alex Eala's Historic Wimbledon Win

Last Saturday, July 4, became another unforgettable chapter in Alex Eala's story—and for Philippine sports as a whole. The 21-year-old tennis star pulled off the biggest win of her career after defeating defending Wimbledon champion and world No. 3 Iga Świątek in straight sets, 7-6(9), 6-2, to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon.

With the victory, Alex became the first Filipino player to reach the second week of a Grand Slam singles tournament in the Open Era, adding yet another historic milestone to her quickly growing achievements.

The win was already emotional on its own, but longtime fans quickly realized it carried an even deeper meaning.

Before making history on Centre Court, Alex trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she graduated in 2023. During that ceremony, none other than Iga herself—already a multiple-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1—served as the guest of honor and personally handed Alex her diploma. And just three years later, the two found themselves standing on one of tennis' biggest stages—only this time, they're across the net from one another.

The Rafa Nadal Academy even shared the throwback photos on Instagram after the match, reminding everyone how far Alex has come since her student days. But beyond this, the post also reflected the mutual respect the two athletes have built over the years, even outside competition.

During her on-court interview, Alex couldn't hide how much the victory meant. "Maybe for someone like Iga, who's won so many Slams, or maybe for someone like Serena or Venus, this achievement may seem small. But for someone who grew up in the Philippines—I went to train with my brother and my grandfather every day after school, with my ruffled socks and light-up shoes and chubby cheeks... to her, this is everything."

Following the win, Alex climbed to a career-high No. 28 in the WTA Live Rankings, with an opportunity to move even higher depending on the rest of her Wimbledon run.

Alex's breakthrough didn't just make history—it also caught the attention of some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and even royalty.

One of the first to celebrate her was Maria Sharapova, the five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1. Under Wimbledon's Instagram post celebrating Alex's victory, Sharapova simply wrote: "a star!"

The comments quickly filled with support from fellow Filipinos as well, including KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza, Anne Curtis, Erwann Heussaff, and Georgina Wilson, who all joined thousands of fans in celebrating the historic win.

Another surreal moment came courtesy of tennis legend Billie Jean King. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history and a lifelong advocate for women in sports, Billie personally greeted Alex after the match.

In a video Billie personally shared online through her Instagram post, Alex is seen humbly introducing herself before the two embraced. "I don't know if you remember me. I'm Alex." And Billie, who has been so welcoming, also couldn't hide her admiration for the young player. She wrote, "She is the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16. Such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world."

The excitement wasn't limited to the tennis community either. Alex's breakout moment even drew a few familiar Hollywood faces. Sitting among the Wimbledon crowd during the match were Andrew Garfield and Tom Hiddleston, who couldn't hide their excitement as they clapped, smiled, and joined the standing ovation for the Filipina star when she scored.

With the match being set in London, it was inevitable—and truly well-deserved—for the history-making player to finally meet Kate Middleton, a.k.a. Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Earlier on July 2, Princess Catherine graced the Wimbledon crowd with her presence, and Alex later shared their photo on her Instagram Story, writing, "So honoured to have grabbed a pic with Her Royal Highness!" Also posing with them in the picture was Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez.

While Alex has been receiving wider and wider support from iconic figures around the world and across different fields, Filipino fans continue to become her biggest fans, who are always present and flooding her posts with messages of appreciation.

In an Instagram post she shared yesterday, July 5, alluding to her post-match interview, she wrote, "For the girls with ruffled socks, light up shoes and chubby cheeks 💕" And stars like the veteran reporter Karen Davila commented, "We cried with you Alex! ❤️ You are amazing! Heart, mind and spirit! You embody the BEST in the Filipino! Thank you for making the country shine with you 🇵🇭 @alex.eala." Likewise, fellow athlete Kianna Dy, a professional volleyball player, also congratulated her.

Even Wimbledon itself celebrated the historic moment with a Filipino caption on one of their Instagram post that instantly delighted fans: "Isang araw na hinding-hindi mawawala sa kasaysayan! Buo ang suporta ng Pilipinas sa'yo, Alex Eala!"

We're always rooting for you, Alex!