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Alex Eala refocuses on Wimbledon after Eastbourne finals

Article (news)

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/17512450552241751187815371AFP__20250328__2207277828__v2__HighRes__MiamiOpenPresentedByItau2025Day10.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot against Jessica Pegula during their match on Day 10 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. <em>Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP</em></span></span></span></div><p>LONDON — Alex Eala has arrived at Wimbledon just a day <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">after her historic finals appearance at Eastbourne</a>. </p><p>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.</p><p>Eala made the two-hour drive from Eastbourne to Wimbledon late Saturday evening, accompanied by her parents Mike and Riza, along with her coaches Joan Bosch, Lluc Bauzà, and Sandro Viaene from the Rafa Nadal Academy.</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>On Sunday, just hours after arriving, Alex went straight to a media conference at the Wimbledon grounds. </p><p>Eala is one of the most requested players by the international press at this year’s Championships.</p><p>“Super excited! I’m always in awe when I come here,” Eala told the gathered media.</p><p>“It’s my first time in the main draw, so I’m exploring the grounds and getting a feel for the place. It’s amazing,” she added.</p><p>Eala faces a massive challenge in the first round, going up against 2024 Wimbledon defending champion Barbora Krejcikova. The Czech star is also a former French Open champion (2021), with eight WTA singles titles to her name, and is currently ranked No. 17 in the world.</p><p>“I’m going up against the defending champion—excited to see how that turns out,” said a calm and composed Eala.</p><p>“I haven’t thought about strategy yet. I just finished the Eastbourne tournament yesterday, so I’m turning a new page. I’ll start preparations today. What’s important is how I’m going to perform.”</p><p>Eala is expected to play her opening match on the iconic Centre Court on Tuesday—another milestone in her career.</p><p>“It’s a privilege to play on Centre Court. That is the court to be on. Wimbledon is my favorite slam,” Eala shared.</p><p>“When I had big dreams as a young girl, they were always on that court. So I’m living the dream.”</p><p>Last year, Eala reached the third round of qualifying at Wimbledon, where she lost to Lulu Sun, who eventually advanced to the quarterfinals.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</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>Like a true professional and warrior, Alex Eala has quickly shifted her focus to her upcoming first-round match at the third Grand Slam of 2025.</p>

Like a true professional and warrior, Alex Eala has quickly shifted her focus to her upcoming first-round match at the third Grand Slam of 2025.