Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reacts against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua during their women’s singles first round tennis match on the second day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala scored a breakthrough victory at the Wimbledon Championships, racing past Renata Zarazua of Mexico, 6-1, 6-2, to advance to the second round early Wednesday (Manila time).
It was Eala’s first victory in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, improving on her first-round exit in her main-draw debut last year.
Seeded for the first time at No. 29, Eala survived a few lengthy exchanges and won five straight games to close out the opening set, 6-1, against her former doubles partner and the world No. 75.
Backed by a partisan Filipino crowd, Eala carried the momentum into the second set, breaking early before consolidating the break for a 2-0 lead. Zarazua responded with a hold, but Eala remained in control.
Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns to Mexico’s Renata Zarazua during their women’s singles first round tennis match on the second day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)
Eala then reeled off three straight games for a commanding 5-1 advantage in the second set. Although Zarazua held to love to halt the run, the Filipino tennis ace served out the match.
A tough test awaits Eala in the next round, where she will face the winner between the comebacking Serena Williams and last year’s Eastbourne Open tormentor Maya Joint.
Williams and Joint are scheduled to play their first-round match as of posting.
Eala is also scheduled to compete in the doubles tournament with Nikola Bartunkova against Jeļena Ostapenko and Sofia Kenin.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
