By Samantha Yu
MANILA — Alex Eala continued her breakthrough campaign at Wimbledon after mounting a brilliant comeback to defeat Australia’s Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, and advance to the third round for the first time.
Despite losing the opening set, Eala remained composed and gradually turned the momentum in her favor by dictating longer rallies and capitalizing on Joint’s unforced errors.
She dominated the final set from start to finish, refusing to surrender a single game while displaying poise under pressure in several tightly contested service games.
The victory represents another milestone for Philippine tennis, with Eala becoming the country’s first player in the Open Era to reach the third round at the prestigious All England Club.
Following the match, Eala credited her resilience and mental toughness after overcoming an opponent who had defeated her in Eastbourne a year earlier.
The Filipina rising star now prepares for her toughest challenge yet—a third-round meeting with defending champion Iga Swiatek—as she looks to continue her historic Wimbledon journey. ia/
