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Tennis: Alex Eala thanks Filipinos, hopes to score upset at Wimbledon

Article (news)

Alex eala in wimby

Alex Eala in Wimby 2

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175124516153320250630010640_viber_image_2025-06-30_08-09-50-048.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alex Eala has arrived at Wimbledon just a day after her historic finals appearance at Eastbourne. Like a true professional and warrior, Eala has quickly shifted her focus to her upcoming first-round match at the third Grand Slam of 2025. <em>Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><div> </div><p>LONDON — &quot;Pagod ako pero trabaho ko ito. Atleta ako, eh. Tuloy ang laban.&quot;</p><p>This was how Alex Eala responded when asked how she was feeling physically after a grueling week at Eastbourne, where she played seven high-level matches from the qualifiers to the finals. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/6/28/alex-eala-ends-historic-eastbourne-run-in-heartbreaking-loss-vs-maya-joint-2308">Alex Eala ends historic Eastbourne run in heartbreaking loss vs. Maya Joint</a></div><p>Before Eastbourne, Eala also competed at the Nottingham Open, and the week before that, at the Lexus Ilkley Open.</p><p>&quot;The goal was to get more matches, more time on grass—and I did that quite well. Confidence is high,&quot; she said.</p><p>After just a few hours to pack up following the Eastbourne final, Eala was already headed to Wimbledon. </p><p>Less than 24 hours after a thrilling final, her focus had already shifted. A new challenge awaits — and it’s a big one: Wimbledon.</p><p>&quot;Tennis is always like that. Every week, there’s something new. Although this is on a bigger scale than I’m normally used to, I’ve gained some experience in moving on and focusing on the next thing,&quot; Eala said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/6/29/coaches-hail-alex-eala-s-improvement-despite-loss-in-eastbourne-finals-2140">Coaches hail Alex Eala&#x27;s improvement despite loss in Eastbourne finals</a></div><p>Eala’s maturity and winning mindset shone through in how she has dealt with the tough loss in last Saturday’s final, where she had four championship points against Australia’s Maya Joint. </p><p>&quot;Masakit talaga matalo sa tiebreak. Marami akong chance na manalo. Iyong tennis, fast-paced — hindi ka puwedeng manatili sa pag-iisip na natalo ako,&quot; said Eala.</p><p>&quot;Marami akong naiisip na gano’n, pero the whole week, marami akong natutunan. I hope to bring that here to my first round at Wimbledon.&quot; </p><p>Eala also expressed deep gratitude to her fellow Filipinos, who flooded social media with messages of support and pride for the history-making Filipina tennis star.</p><p>&quot;Nakakataba ng puso na makarinig ng mga mensahe mula sa mga kababayan. Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng nanood at sumuporta. Hindi ko nakuha ang panalo, pero tuloy ang laban—at sana makuha ko sa Tuesday ang win,&quot; she said.</p><p>The outpouring of support from her countrymen continues to fuel her determination to take it match by match.</p><p>&quot;In the spirit of being Filipino—malakas ang katawan, matibay ang puso. The fight goes on. Tuloy ang laban!&quot;</p><p>Eala also shared her joy at seeing the post of none other than Rafael Nadal, who congratulated her on her performance. </p><p>&quot;It’s super special coming from Rafa. He’s done so much here. Him being such a big idol — it’s nice to see that recognition,&quot; Eala said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WATCH</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5euXXnSYiU?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>"Pagod ako pero trabaho ko ito... Tuloy ang laban." This was how Alex Eala responded when asked how she was feeling physically after a grueling week at Eastbourne, where she played seven high-level matches from the qualifiers to the finals. </p>

"Pagod ako pero trabaho ko ito... Tuloy ang laban." This was how Alex Eala responded when asked how she was feeling physically after a grueling week at Eastbourne, where she played seven high-level matches from the qualifiers to the finals.