Defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek suffered a straight-sets defeat in the third round to leave the women’s draw wide open in SW19.
The Polish star was the slender favourite going into her Centre Court clash with rising star from the Philippines Alexandra Eala, but was immediately put to the sword as the younger player edged the first set tiebreak 11-9.
But after going a set behind, Swiatek appeared to almost give up the fight as she was quickly broken in the second set.
Although she clawed back one of her breaks of serve, there was little she could do as her game unravelled and Eala stood firm.
Having already made history for her country by reaching the third round of the Championships, Eala was overcome with emotion as she gave a touching speech after booking her spot in the second week.
‘I don’t know how to describe it,’ Eala said when asked about how she felt after her win. ‘I’m in the second week of a slam. It’s amazing for me.
Defending women’s champion Iga Swiatek was knocked out of Wimbledon in straight seta
Her vanquisher Alexandra Eala made history as the first player from the Philippines to reach the second week of the tournament
‘Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person. I’m really grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her at Wimbledon. I’m really emotional.
‘Maybe for someone like Iga who’s won so many slams or someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement may seem small… but for someone who grew up in the Philippines…’
Eala then broke off, beginning to cry – before restarting after a moment to compose herself.
‘I went to train with my brother and grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and shoes and my chubby cheeks. To (her younger self), this is everything,’ she added.
‘It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on and knowing that we’re all in this together. This goes out to them. This goes out to my family. This goes out to all the little girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks. It means the world.’
