Eala Makes History as First Filipino Seeded at a Grand Slam, Lands No. 29 at Wimbledon

Alex Eala has etched her name into Philippine tennis history, becoming the first Filipino player ever to be seeded in the singles draw of a Grand Slam tournament.

The 21-year-old rising star was officially awarded the No. 29 seed for the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, set to take place from June 29 to July 12 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

This milestone also makes Eala just the second Filipino in the Open Era to earn a Grand Slam seeding, following doubles specialist Treat Huey, who was seeded in multiple men’s doubles events starting in 2016. Huey, one of the country’s most decorated players, reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 18 and advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals alongside Max Mirnyi before retiring after the 2023 season.

For Eala, the seeding caps a strong run of form as she prepares for her second Wimbledon main-draw appearance. She will first compete at the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open in Germany to sharpen her game ahead of the grass-court major.

Eala earned her Wimbledon entry via a wildcard and will open her campaign against World No. 24 Elise Mertens of Belgium. The Belgian has won both of their previous meetings in straight sets, including a 6-2, 6-1 victory at the Madrid Open in April.

The winner of that first-round match will face either former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan or Poland’s Magdalena Fręch.

Eala will also compete in the doubles draw, partnering with tennis legend Venus Williams. The duo is scheduled to face alternates Catherine Harrison of the United States and Alexandra Osborne of Australia in the opening round.