Alex Eala returns home after historic Wimbledon 2026 campaign
Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala has finally returned to the Philippines after her historic run at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, where she became the first player from the Philippines to reach the Round of 16.
Eala returned to cheers from supporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday following the best Grand Slam campaign by a tennis player in the country’s history.
The Filipina tennis star shared a special moment with Navotas City youth and young athletes, signing tennis balls and receiving a warm welcome from supporters holding Philippine flags, messages of support, and tarpaulins.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) Secretary General John Rey Tiangco also welcomed Eala home.
As part of her homecoming, Eala will attend several events, including a fan meet at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City on July 15.
Eala returned home after capping off a breakthrough run at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships last July 6 in London, England.
Eala began her historic Wimbledon campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazua before bouncing back from a set deficit to eliminate Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, in the second round.
The 21-year-old Filipina star then claimed the biggest win of her career, knocking off defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round to earn a spot in the Round of 16.
However, Eala’s breakthrough Wimbledon journey ended in the Round of 16 after she suffered a 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 defeat to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
After her historic Wimbledon run, Eala will resume her hard-court campaign at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Canada next month before competing in the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.
