Wimbledon 2025: Eala Stuns Crowd with Fierce Fight Against Krejcikova in Centre Court Debut
Alexandra Eala, the rising tennis sensation from the Philippines, made a bold statement at Wimbledon 2025 as she pushed defending champion Barbora Krejcikova to three sets in an electrifying Centre Court clash. Making her main-draw debut at SW19, the 20-year-old took the opening set 6-3 before the experienced Czech roared back to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The match was more than a first-round showdown—it was a symbolic passing of the torch moment. Eala, the first Filipina woman to ever compete in Wimbledon’s main draw, looked every bit a future Grand Slam star. Dressed in a striking outfit honoring her country’s national flower, she immediately stunned the Wimbledon crowd with confident strokes, fearless shot-making, and unwavering composure.
“I’m super happy to have had that experience,” Eala said post-match. “Just walking onto Centre Court was amazing.”
Krejcikova, who entered the tournament undercooked due to recent injuries, struggled in the opening set. Eala stormed ahead 5-2, showing off her variety with lefty forehands and tricky drop shots. Even after the Czech saved a set point in a long game, Eala kept her composure and closed out the set on her third opportunity.
But the defending champion, seeded 17th this year after winning in 2024 as a surprise 31st seed, found her groove in the second. With improved serve rhythm and more aggressive play, Krejcikova seized a 5-0 lead in the second set and tied the match at a set apiece.
The final set saw Krejcikova dig deep, navigating tight games and capitalizing on key errors from Eala, whose light serve began to falter under pressure. Ultimately, the Czech sealed the win with a backhand winner and let out a relieved roar after the two-hour, 10-minute battle.
Eala’s Breakthrough Year Continues
Eala’s Centre Court appearance capped a breakout 2025 season. She stunned World No. 2 Iga Swiatek en route to the Miami Open semifinals, became the first Filipina to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal, and recently contested her first WTA final at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, losing a tight third-set tiebreak to Maya Joint. Her growing confidence on grass shows she’s adapting fast despite limited experience on the surface.
“I’ve been liking the grass,” Eala said. “It suits my game more than I expected.”
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