Screenshots of Alex Eala waving to the crowd at Wimbledon after her win over defending champion Iga Swiatek
It was in July 2, 2001 when a 19-year-old Roger Federer beat defending Wimbledon Gentlemen's Champion Pete Sampras in what many considered a passing of the torch moment between the two.
Twenty five years later, Alex Eala made her Centre Court debut by defeating defending Wimbledon Ladies' Champion Iga Swiatek in a convincing straight-sets third round victory that not only solidified the Filipina tennis star's arrival but also signaled a shift in the landscape of the women's tour.
It's as if Eala knew exactly the pressure that came with playing in Centre Court, knowing she's representing not just a whole nation but her younger self who once said that her dream was to win all four tennis majors, then used that pressure to will her through a tough first set tiebreak and go on to win the match against a six-time Grand Slam champion.
No other player in recent years have captured the imagination of tennis fans all over the world than Eala who, in every match, continue to evolve her game, displaying grit, tenacity, and composure like a true pro.
For anyone confused how a player like her can improve so fast in such short time need only watch her post-match interview after beating Swiatek.
If it wasn't enough that Eala made the Centre Court audience and everyone watching around the globe fall in love with her game, highlighted by a diving forehand save, her "ruffled socks, light up shows, and chubby cheeks" moment would have melted even her toughest critics' hearts.
Tennis is more than just a physical and mental sport. It can be very emotional as well as players need to remain calm and play the game point-by-point. Lingering on an error on a previous point is never an option if you want to win.
I have been watching the series "RAFA" on Netflix and Rafael Nadal, whose tennis academy Eala trains at, knew this when he was playing. Even through pain, a champion's drive to win, in the most pivotal moments, will always take over.
Eala is proving to everyone that she has that same drive.
In every match, she figures out how to out-think her opponents. She never allows anyone to intimidate her and even becomes more aggressive attacking the serve when she's behind. And even when she loses, the desire to get better remains as she prepares for her next tournament match.
The Philippines is currently going crazy for Eala. Several establishments, bars, cafes, malls, and even the PhilSports Arena is holding a watch party for her match against Italy's Jasmine Paolini who is quite a crafty player but Eala has a victory over her so that might be a factor in the match. Paolini is a great defensive player and good at the net but if Eala is able to utilize her dropshot well, then it should result in a win for her.
When Federer retired in 2022, I was very much heartbroken. He and Nadal were my favorites and after they were both done with the professional tour, I thought I wouldn't be watching it that much anymore. But thanks to Eala, the excitement for tennis is starting to reach fever pitch as she makes history with each win.
It was absolute chills watching her walk out on the bridge a couple of days ago at Wimbledon to wave to a crowd who had gathered just fo her. Imagine her walking out there once more with, God-willing, the most prestigious championship in tennis.
A grandslam championship will certainly cement any player's status but while her fans await with bated breath, it's safe to say that Eala's arrival has officially changed the game. By Dexter R. Matilla
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