A FIERY start can only take you so far—something Filipina tennis standout Alex Eala learned the hard way as she faltered against defending champion Barbora Krejčíková of the Czech Republic in the opening round.
For one thrilling set, Eala seemed on course for a massive upset in her Wimbledon debut. But Krejčíková, the titleholder, quickly regained control and outlasted the 20-year-old Filipina, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The match lasted two hours and six minutes at Centre Court on Tuesday and marked another milestone for Eala, who’s been enjoying a breakout season following her stunning semifinal run at the Miami Open in March.
Just before Wimbledon, she reached the final of the Eastbourne Open, narrowly losing to Aussie teen Maya Joint. Leaving that loss behind, World No. 56 Eala entered London with renewed determination to shine.
First Steps on a Grand Stage
In her first main draw match at Wimbledon, Eala came out swinging, showing no nerves as she jumped to a 5-2 lead with aggressive baseline shots that stunned the Czech veteran.
Krejčíková looked rattled, serving inconsistently and racking up 19 unforced errors. Though she fought off Eala in a tight eighth game filled with six deuces, the Filipina held firm in the ninth to clinch the set.
However, momentum quickly shifted. Krejčíková tightened her game in the second set, serving better and cutting down errors to be ahead, 5-0. Eala fought back with two straight games, but Krejčíková held steady to level the match.
By the third set, Krejčíková had taken over. She dominated the rallies, capped by a crushing down-the-line backhand to blank Eala in the final game and seal the win.
A Brave Effort
Even in defeat, Eala turned in a courageous performance, earning praise from Krejčíková herself, who acknowledged the young Filipina’s tenacity and potential.
“I would like start with giving the credit to Alex… [The way] she played in the first set, she was smashing the ball and she was cleaning the lines and all that,” Krejčíková said right after the game finished.
“Wow, wow, it’s the next generation coming. She’s gonna come up and she’s gonna be really good in a couple of years. So first of all, big credit, big credit to her,” she added.
Krejčíková is set to face either World No. 66 Caroline Dolehide or World No. 94 Arantxa Rus in the second round. The Czech star will look to build on her momentum as she continues her title defense.
As for Eala, her Wimbledon campaign isn’t over yet—she will compete in the doubles division alongside German partner Eva Lys. The pair is scheduled to face the duo of Olga Danilovic and Anastasia Potapova on Wednesday (PH time).
