Alexandra Eala knocks out champion Iga Swiatek to reach Wimbledon fourth round

The highly regarded Filipina, who has become one of the Philippines' biggest sporting figures, celebrated by collapsing to the grass and covering her face after sealing victory with her third match point.

She had to show composure in the closing game, saving four break points before clinching the contest when Swiatek sent another forehand long.

Eala's triumph on Centre Court made her the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament in the Open era. She will next face 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini.

The third seed, a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, endured another disappointing outing after an inconsistent spell since lifting the Wimbledon trophy a year ago.

Her title defence also ended hopes of becoming the first woman to retain the singles crown at the Championships since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2016.

Eala, who announced herself by beating Swiatek at the 2025 Miami Open, overcame an understandably nervous opening. After both players traded early service breaks, Swiatek recovered another break to stop her opponent serving for the set at 5-3. However, Eala edged a tense tie-break after a lengthy forehand drifted beyond the baseline.

Swiatek, who shouted towards her player box before the second set, never recovered after Eala surged into a 4-0 advantage. Although the Pole briefly regained one break, she immediately surrendered serve again and finished with 44 unforced errors, five double faults and only one ace.

Earlier on Saturday, former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and last year's runner-up Amanda Anisimova were also eliminated, continuing a dramatic day of upsets in the women's draw. 

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