MANILA, Philippines— For Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, every match is about more than just winning points—it is also an opportunity to carry the pride of an entire nation.
Although Filipinos make up only a small community in England, Eala has consistently drawn passionate support from her countrymen, turning her Wimbledon matches into virtual home contests.
“We’re very proud of where we come from,” Eala said during her post-match press conference.
“We have a very strong sense of community; you can see it when someone does well. We’re a community that uplifts each other.”
The 21-year-old Filipina etched her name in history after stunning defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6, 6-2, in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday night (Manila time) at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Eala said the overwhelming support reflects the close-knit nature of Filipinos wherever they are in the world.
“We’re quite positive people, and when positive things happen to other Filipinos around the world, I think we just kind of share the enjoyment and share the happiness,” she added.
Fresh off the biggest victory of her career, the World No. 28 now sets her sights on another milestone as she takes on World No. 17 Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the Round of 16.
Filipinos cheer Bataan-made Wimbledon balls after Alex Eala win
“What a full-circle moment.”
This was what Filipinos commented after learning that the tennis balls used in Wimbledon, where Alex Eala is playing, are made in the Philippines.
The British Embassy in Manila on Wednesday, July 1 reposted a clip of the Wimbledon account featuring the Pinay tennis sensation making history as the first Filipina to win in the London-based major tournament.
Alex won against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua early Wednesday morning (Manila time), advancing to the second round of Wimbledon.
“Congratulations to Alex Eala on her historic first win at Wimbledon!” the British Embassy in Manila said in the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
“From PH to Centre Court, Alex Eala has had strong start — and with Slazenger balls made in Bataan, the Philippines is right there with her on court. Good luck, Alex!” it added.
The information about Wimbledon’s tennis balls earned Filipinos’ attention, who expressed shock upon learning the tidbit.
“THE TENNIS BALLS IN WIMBLEDON ARE MADE HERE???” someone wrote.
“‘Dibaaaa, mowmmm, what a full-circle moment, nakaka-proud huhu,” another user commented with heart hands emojis.
“I had no idea too!!!” exclaimed a different user.
“Forgot about it. Thanks, British Embassy, for reminding us. Now, a Filipina proudly hitting that ball made in the Philippines. Full circle moment,” commented another user.
Slazenger is the official tennis ball supplier of Wimbledon. It has held the position since 1902, making it the longest-running sporting sponsorship in history.
Slazenger tennis balls were first requested to be used at Wimbledon by champion tennis players.
Although it is a British brand, its production shifted to Bataan in the early 2000s after its factory in the United Kingdom closed.
The glue and rubber used in the balls are sourced in Basilan.
Other materials, such as clay, wool, silica, and magnesium carbonate, are sourced from countries including the USA, New Zealand, Greece, and Japan, respectively.
