Paolini wary as red-hot, ‘dangerous’ Eala awaits in Wimbledon fourth round

MANILA, July 6 ------ Alex Eala is one win away from reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, but standing in her way is a familiar foe in Italian star Jasmine Paolini.

The two last met at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, where Eala pulled off a 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) victory in the Round of 32. They will meet again in Wimbledon's Round of 16 on Monday, with Paolini expecting another tough battle against the rising Filipina ace. “I know that I’m gonna play Eala,” said the 30-year-old Paolini, who is currently ranked World No. 17. “I think she’s a very dangerous player here.”

Paolini booked her place in the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Greece's Maria Sakkari, while Eala stunned World No. 3 Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, to reach the last 16. With Eala riding the momentum of the biggest win of her career, Paolini expects another stern challenge as she looks to avenge her loss in Dubai. w“I think it’s going to be a tough one, because she can play very well,” said Paolini of Eala, who marked her new career-best ranking of No. 28.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com