LONDON — Alexandra Eala was moved to tears after winning her first match on Centre Court. It was special that it came against the defending Wimbledon champion, but far more significant as the first person from a country of 117 million people to win on the most important court in tennis.
“Maybe for Iga, who has won so many Grand Slams… Serena or Venus Williams, it’s not a big deal, but for someone who grew up in the Philippines…” Eala began in her post-match interview after eliminating Polish player Iga Swiatek 7-6 (11-9) and 6-2 in the third round in London.
The memory of her childhood and her early days in tennis, driven by her grandfather Bob, filled her with nostalgia. She could not hold back the emotion in her voice.
“I went to train with my brother and my grandfather everyday after school with my ruffled socks and my light up shoes and my chubby cheeks… this is everything,” said Eala through tears, in front of a crowd cheering her on at the “court of her dreams.”
In an interview with CLAY last September, Eala spoke at length about her grandfather.
“His name was Bob. We called him Lolo Bob. He was a very important part of my tennis and, obviously, of my life, of my childhood. I think he, together with my parents, contributed greatly to my behaviour on court, my mindset and my mental strength. He was my mother’s father,” the Filipino player said.
“He was more of a club player, not really a coach. He would just go to the club and play a bit, and then I think he coached other members of my family, some cousins in tennis and my brother, and he also coached my mother in swimming. But he wasn’t really a proper coach, just for family members. It started as a way to bond with him and get me into sport and have that routine, and he loved reading books about tennis. He watched a lot of matches and I guess that’s where he picked up his knowledge.”
REMEMBERING GRANDPA BOB ON CENTRE COURT
“Every time I do something important, I think of him. He worked so hard and sacrificed so much for me.”
Alex Eala and Lolo Bob — the man responsible for her success. An interview by @sebastianfesthttps://t.co/bX1pgdeLcJ
— Clay (@_claymagazine) July 4, 2026
“I’m in a second week at a Grand Slam. It’s incredible for me,” admitted the world number 32.
It is the first time Eala has reached the fourth round at any of the four major tournaments: in fact, she had only won one match at the 2025 US Open.
“Because I’m emotional doesn’t mean I’m satisfied… next round, let’s go!” said the 21-year-old, who trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. She will face Italian Jasmine Paolini for a place in the quarterfinals.
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Filipino passion
Eala has her compatriots captivated. There had never been a top-class female athlete born in the Philippines. The Southeast Asian country is passionate about boxing, and has in boxer Manny Pacquiao its greatest sporting star.
Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters in history, praised Eala last February on Filipino television network ABS-CBN: “I’m so proud of her because she’s Filipino and she carries the flag of the Philippines around the world. When I look at her I say… oh my, we need more of that.”
“So, keep it up. Keep it up. Work hard,” the multi-champion advised.
