Eala relishes living the Wimbledon dream
MANILA, Philippines -- Literally, the dream continues for Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala.
Young basketball players shout “Jordan!” “Kobe!” or even “Jalen Brunson!” when shooting hoops. Young football players fantasize about being Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the grandest stage of them all while aiming penalty kicks.
But the Filipina tennister is literally living her dream right now at Wimbledon.
The World No. 29 player slayed defending champion Iga Swiatek in a hard-fought 7-6(9), 6-2 victory on Saturday evening – at Centre Court, no less.
After the match, Eala said that playing at Centre Court during Wimbledon had been a lifelong dream for her – even back when she was a young player, wearing light-up shoes and ruffled socks.
“Yes, yes, yes. Wimbledon has always been my favorite tournament. I gotta say, I always loved the tradition around it, the elegance. And, you know, when you're young, there are certain things that you don't understand, but there are certain things that stick out to you,” she told reporters during the postmatch press conference.
“And one thing for me is how people carry themselves, the all white dress code and the greenery and the grass courts. So it's always… I hold Wimbledon very close to my heart,” she added.
“And being able to play here on centre court the second year in a row, it's amazing for me to be able to do that and to have these intense moments and this level of competition, you know, in, well, essentially the best stage in the world for tennis.”
During the post-match on-court interview, Eala looked back at the time when she was just merely dreaming of the opportunity as a wide-eyed young girl with ruffled socks, light up shoes and chubby cheeks.
But now, with the dream clashing with reality, she said that she worked hard to get here, and she’s taking it.
“How many times have I dreamed of opportunities like this, you know, to win a first set 11-9? So when I have my opportunities, I have to take it because, you know, they're blessings. Being here is a blessing,” she said.
“I worked super, super hard to get here, and I'm taking it. If I have it, I have the chance, I'm taking it.”
Eala made history as not just the first Filipina seeded at Wimbledon, but also the first Filipina to win a match at Wimbledon in the Open era.
But now, match after match, she has made historic leap after historic leap.
She defeated Eastbourne Open tormentor Maya Joint in the second round before completing the trilogy with Swiatek, ranked third in the world, on top.
“I'm grateful to be in this position again this year. I was in a similar position last year and I think I was able to learn from that. And I was able to go into this match with an improved mindset from last year.”
Eala underscored that putting in hours day in and day out, as well as the excellent work ethic of not just her but her team, “is really what keeps me grounded and keeps me locked in.”
“I guess the responsibility or the effects or the impact that I have on other people and the inspiration that I can bring is a result of that work ethic.”
But now, after the emotional win over Swiatek, Eala will aim to keep the dream going.
Standing on her way, though, is Jasmine Paolini, ranked 17th in the world.
The Italian defeated Maria Sakkari in the third round, 6-1, 6-2.
Eala and Paolini faced each other in singles’ action in the Dubai Tennis Championships back in February, and the former swept the latter, 6-1, 7-6(5).
“I think she's a great player. She is a great fighter, especially. It was not an easy match in Dubai for me. And I it will not be an easy match here either. But then again, every match is a different story,” Eala said.
“So I'm going to do my best to prepare for that one. And, you know, focus all my energy and in trying to improve and do better.”
The two will tussle it out for a chance to make it to the quarterfinal on Monday (Manila time). The time of their matchup is still yet to be announced as of press time.
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