Alexandra Eala stunned by passionate support once more following maiden Wimbledon triumph: "I never would have thought that at Wimbledon I would have like a home crowd"

Alexandra Eala broke more ground in her already very young and illustrious tennis career. She secured her very first win at Wimbledon, and in some fashion as well, dumping out Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-2 in an utterly dominant performance. In the process also becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a singles match in the Open Era at Wimbledon.

Competing on a packed Court 12 in front of a number of fellow Filipinos excitingly watching on at her progress on court, Eala was flying. A talented player on grass, she has already won a WTA 125 title at Birmingham while having reached the semi-finals in the Berlin Ladies Open, only losing out to the eventual champion Linda Noskova.

She came to Wimbledon confident and motivated to pick up some positive results and go deep in the event, showcasing her grass court skills. Her opening round task came in the form of Mexican number one Zarazua who had picked up her first Wimbledon win last year. She would not have any chance in doubling it after being blown away by a rampant Eala.

Despite the first set taking 40 minutes, only seven games were featured. Following holds to love from the duo, Eala started to motor away. She got a break advantage before avoiding a chance by her opponent. The sixth game of the set saw Eala create a whopping 10 break points with Zarazua not having a single opportunity to hold. Eventually the 21-year-old secured the double break advantage ahead of converting her first set point for a healthy lead.

It was made seven games on the spin following Eala taking her fourth break point ahead of a hold to love. She was much more clinical when sealing the double break lead before having no problem in getting the job done and confirming a first ever main draw win at SW19, only her second Grand Slam triumph.

On paper it looked like a walk in the park for Eala, but that was not the case. Zarazua had two break points in the match, both coming at crucial times. It could have been different if she took them, but this was not the case. This was compared to Eala who missed 13 of the 17 chances she was rewarded with.

She did show her class, losing just five points on first serve points and backing that up with a 63% second serve points won. The sheer number of chances created would inevitably be in her favour with enough of them being capitalised on.

“It had its moments. No match is going to be easy here. I showed a really good level of tennis and played the important points well,” Eala said after the win. “I’m very happy with my first round. I think that I played really well and kept the intensity throughout the whole match so I’m hoping to keep this momentum going throughout the week.”

While there is room for improvement on top of already a high level of tennis being played, the same cannot be said for the Filippino fans who characteristically made their presence noted on the court Eala was featuring on. Wherever in the world she goes, there is normally an adoring mob of fans following her footsteps, supporting Eala passionately and pushing her through tough games.

You would think Eala is used to seeing this, but this time she admitted that she was surprised to see the stands packed with her supporters. “I was really surprised. Well the Filipinos keep surprising me in good ways,” she stated. “I know how notoriously difficult it is to get tickets to this event so to have what I would call a full house of almost Filipinos is amazing. I never would have thought that at Wimbledon I would have like a home crowd so super thankful and I really enjoyed that.”

Up next is a tricky test in the form of Maya Joint. The Aussie took down Serena Williams on Centre Court in a tough display versus the seven-time champion and will be ready for the tie against her fellow young talent.

Just over a year ago, the pair faced off in the Eastbourne Open final. It would go to a third set tiebreak in hugely dramatic circumstances. Eala missed four championship points in a gut-wrenching moment as Joint sealed a second WTA title.

Joint's form has not been great since. Struggling with illness and injury throughout the year, she came into the Grand Slam with just one win from her prior 13 matches, with that coming in a WTA 125 tournament. Her win over Williams was just the fourth time she had tasted success in singles. Eala will be hoping to complete some revenge on court and sail into the third round of a major tournament for the very first time in a similar fashion to her first round contest.