Alexandra Eala on her historic win — Second Round Press Conference — Wimbledon 2026

[0:01] I'm reminded to raise your hand if you'd like to ask a question. [0:05] I'm actually going to start. [0:06] Alex, would you like to just start off by sharing your thoughts on the match today? [0:11] It was a very difficult match and I'm really proud of how I held my ground [0:16] and was able to shift the momentum, so I'm really happy. [0:21] Molly? [0:22] Congrats on the win today. [0:24] You're the first Filipino player to get to the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open Era. [0:30] I know you've made history for your country before, [0:32] but I just wonder, what does it mean to you to keep making that history [0:35] to represent your home country? [0:39] Yeah, it sounds super impactful when you say it like that, [0:44] and it's obviously an amazing thing for me to be able to do that for my country, [0:51] but I guess it's also very emotional every time I'm able to pass a new step [0:55] or break new ground just because it's also personal goals and personal achievements [1:01] and, you know, it's things that I've been working really hard for. [1:04] It's things that my team has been working really hard for. [1:07] So I really appreciate that I'm able to share this with the nation, [1:12] but I think first and foremost, it makes me super proud because of the work that I've put in. [1:18] Yeah. [1:18] Hi Alex, great win. [1:21] You're playing Eager Next, the defending champion. [1:24] You've played on hardcourt, you've played on clay this year, [1:26] tight matches in both of them. [1:28] How do you preview your first meeting on grass? [1:31] How do you think your game styles are going to match up against each other? [1:35] That's a great question. [1:36] I think it's going to be tough for me and I'm going to try to make it tough for her as well. [1:44] And, you know, it's a different surface than we've played at before. [1:48] So I think there should be definitely there should be some different aspects to the last time. [1:54] I mean, she's won a slam on grass. [1:58] She's won a slam on clay. [2:00] Has she won a slam on hard? [2:01] I don't know, but she's won a slam on hard. [2:03] So, I mean, you know, it's I'm expecting a great challenge, but, you know, [2:08] I think I'm ready for it. [2:09] I'm ready to face it head on. [2:12] Alex, well done. [2:13] I wanted to ask you about the phrase in your native language that's on your sweatshirt [2:17] in the back of your visor. [2:18] I'm curious, I have the translation here, but why does the phrase resonate with you? [2:22] And I guess why that one, you know, in particular? [2:24] So this was a really nice gesture from Nike. [2:29] It's a quote in my, in Tagalog and it says, [2:33] And that loosely translates to once it grows, it cannot be stopped or it's unstoppable. [2:41] So I think it's, of course, we're running with the theme of, you know, the Sampaguita flower, [2:47] which last year I wore on my head. [2:49] And I think it's just, it's so sentimental to be able to, [2:53] to wear like things or I guess to carry parts of my culture with me on court. [3:01] Because of course it's, it's a huge reason as to who I am. [3:05] I think where I come from is, is a big part of who I am and, and a big part of who I've, [3:11] I want to become in the future. [3:13] And for me to be able to represent the Philippines in Wimbledon. [3:18] I guess in the biggest stages in the world, it means so much to me. [3:24] Yeah. [3:25] Great, great performance. [3:27] Given how much you are representing your country and so many people take pride out of your results, [3:33] do you actually, is it ever kind of a challenge to make sure that you prioritize yourself [3:37] that, you know, your personal goals are number one for you? [3:41] Yes. [3:42] Well, my personal goals have always been my priority, right? [3:47] This is my journey and I'm, you know, I'm happy to be able to share it with everyone who, [3:52] who wants to take part. [3:54] Um, but I think one of the biggest things that makes it natural and, um, easier to handle [4:03] is that I, I, it's genuine. [4:06] Um, so my whole story is very genuine. [4:09] It's very close to my heart. [4:11] So I'm not trying to be anyone who I'm not. [4:14] I'm not trying to, you know, um, stray from my values. [4:18] So I think that makes it easier for me to carry myself and for me to, um, you know, handle these [4:23] situations and, and, you know, there, there's pressure in everyday life and even more so [4:30] as a competitive athlete. [4:31] So I think, uh, in that regard, everybody, everybody, all of you guys probably, you know, [4:37] you have had to find your way to work around pressure. [4:42] So it's, it's no different with me. [4:44] Yeah. [4:45] On a different subject. [4:46] Um, it's completely a bit random, but have you ever lost your accreditation before? [4:50] Oh my God, this year, this year in Rome. [4:55] I lost it three times. [4:57] Yes. [4:57] Okay. [4:58] Wait, wait, wait, let me, let me, okay. [5:00] So first time another player took it by accident. [5:03] I had to get another one. [5:05] And my fitness coach was the one who got them again and again and again. [5:08] So first time someone else took it. [5:11] Second time I left it in the hotel and third time I actually lost it. [5:15] Yeah. [5:16] Hi, congratulations. [5:19] Thank you. [5:20] I have another question about your next match. [5:22] Uh, current Iga's coach is, uh, Francisco Roig. [5:24] Oh, yes. [5:25] Have you ever had a chance to work with him at Academy? [5:27] Uh, I've never personally worked with Francis, yes. [5:31] But you are aware that he worked for many years with Rafa Nadal. [5:34] Yes. [5:35] So do you think that he can improve Iga's game a lot and he can be more and more dangerous now? [5:42] For you? [5:43] Well, I think first and foremost, Iga will always be a dangerous player. [5:48] Um, secondly, that's not really for me to say. [5:51] I can't tell the future, you know, but I know that, and I'm sure that they are working really hard, um, every day. [5:58] You don't become, what, like six time Grand Slam, seven time Grand Slam champion just by not working hard. [6:04] So, um, yeah, but that's, uh, that's not for me to say. [6:09] Yeah. [6:09] Last English question, just that. [6:11] What do you like the most in being a professional tennis player? [6:16] Oh, what do I like the most? [6:19] I, it's difficult to choose because this has been what I've wanted to do my whole life. [6:24] Um, I love competition. [6:26] I love, um, I love facing the pressure moments head on. [6:33] I love coming out of those moments stronger than I was when I entered it. [6:37] So, and I love the lessons and the people I learn being a professional. [6:42] Yeah. [6:43] Great. [6:43] We'll move on to Phil, please. [6:45] So, Alex, marami nagtatanong tungkol sa lumabas kanina. [6:48] Bye-bye. [6:48] Bye-bye. [6:49] Bye-bye. [6:49] Bye-bye. [6:49] Bye-bye. [6:50] Bye-bye. [6:50] Bye-bye. [6:51] Bye-bye. [6:52] Bye-bye. [6:53] Bye-bye. [6:54] Bye-bye. [6:55] Bye-bye. [6:56] Bye-bye. [6:57] Bye-bye. [6:58] Bye-bye. [6:59] Bye-bye. [7:00] Bye-bye. [7:01] Bye-bye. 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