Alexandra Eala Shocks Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek was knocked out of Wimbledon on Saturday. Philippine star Alexandra Eala achieved the biggest win of her career to reach the fourth round. She won with a score of 7-6(11/9), 6-2 on Centre Court.

Eala, 21, showed great calmness to win a tense 84-minute first set. She then dominated the second set against the six-time Grand Slam champion. This victory takes Eala, who is ranked No. 32 in the world, into the last 16. It is another historic moment for tennis in the Philippines.

“It’s difficult to describe. I’m in the second week of a Slam, and it’s incredible for me,” Eala said after the match, clearly emotional. Earlier in the week, she became the first Filipina player in the Open Era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. Now, she has gone even further by winning her second match against Swiatek in their three career meetings.

Reflecting on her journey, Eala said: “For someone who grew up in the Philippines, training every day after school with my mother and grandfather, this is everything.”

Swiatek was looking for back-to-back Wimbledon titles but struggled throughout the match. She made 44 unforced errors. This loss is her earliest exit from a Grand Slam since she lost in the third round at Wimbledon two years ago. It follows a disappointing run after her last-16 exit at the French Open.

Eala looked set to win the first set after leading 5-3. But she could not serve it out. Still, she kept her cool in a tense tie-break, turning her fourth set point into a win when Swiatek hit a backhand long. Eala carried the momentum into the second set, taking a 4-0 lead. Although Swiatek made a brief comeback, two double faults gave Eala another edge.

Eala finished the match on her third match point after saving four break points in a thrilling last game. She celebrated by collapsing to the grass in tears after hitting a forehand winner. Swiatek quickly left Centre Court.

Next, Eala will face former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini for a chance to reach the quarter-finals. If she wins, she will be the first Filipino to reach a Grand Slam singles quarter-final since Felicisimo Ampon at the 1953 French Championships.