Alexandra Eala Rejects ‘Self-Centered’ Misconception About Tennis Players

Alexandra Eala is a celebrity in the Philippines, and as expected, after her historic run at Wimbledon, she received a warm welcome at home. The 21-year-old, after defeating Iga Swiatek, became the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament.

But in the fourth round, she lost in three sets to Jasmine Paolini. Eala, who has so far played one tour-level final and lost it (the 2025 Eastbourne International to Maya Joint), talked about one misconception people have about professional tennis players.

Maybe a misconception that’s popping into my head… I’ve heard – I don’t know if this is true, people say that tennis players can be self-centered. I don’t think that’s true.

Alexandra Eala said at the BPI press conference

Eala, a graduate of Rafael Nadal‘s academy, hogged the limelight for the first time when she reached the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open after defeating Swiatek in the quarterfinals. Swiatek later took her revenge in the second round of the Madrid Open last year. But this time, the Pole, who was bidding to defend her title at the All England Club, suffered a 7-6(9), 6-2 defeat.

And if someone is self-centered, I don’t think it’s because they are a tennis player. I think maybe they’re just being self-centered because that’s who they are. It’s true that in tennis, to a certain point, when it comes to competition, you have to put yourself first, and you have to think of yourself.

Alexandra Eala added

Before competing at SW19, Eala lifted the Birmingham Classic (WTA 125), reached the second round of the Queen’s Club Championships, played the semifinals of the Berlin Open, and suffered an opening-round exit in Bad Homburg. She is next scheduled to participate in the Citi Open, the main draw of which is set to start on July 27.

Last year on the North American hardcourt swing, she only played two tournaments. She lost in the opening round of the Canadian Open and the second round of the US Open.

Greg Rusedski on Iga Swiatek’s defeat to Alexandra Eala

Iga Swiatek is experiencing a slump in form once again. Last year, she did not reach a final before the Bad Homburg Open (also her first final on grass). She ended her title drought at Wimbledon.

But so far this season, the six-time Grand Slam champion has made the semifinals of just the Italian Open, and twice she lost in the opening round (of the Miami Open and the Bad Homburg Open). After her Miami exit, she parted ways with Wim Fissette and added Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig to her entourage.

Amid her slump in form, she received a piece of advice from former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, who thinks Swiatek can rediscover her form if she finds the joy of playing tennis again.

In the Swiatek-Eala match, Eala looked like the person who had six majors. She was the one with swagger, walking around with confidence. She (Swiatek) was very nervous. She was very tight. She’s got to find a way to find that love and remember what it was when she was a youngster, when there was just joy for playing tennis and finding ways to win. If she does that, she can find a way back.

Greg Rusedski said on his Off Court with Greg podcast

Swiatek is not playing the Citi Open and will next be seen in action at the Canadian Open. She is a one-time semifinalist at the Canadian Open but won the Cincinnati Open last year by defeating Jasmine Paolini. The 25-year-old last won a singles title at the 2025 Korea Open.

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