Alex Eala opens her campaign at the Wimbledon 2026 Championships vs Renata Zarazua of Mexico.
Wimbledon 2026 schedule
July 1, Wednesday – Singles first round
12:35am – Alex Eala vs Renata Zarazúa
Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns to Mexico’s Renata Zarazua during their women’s singles first round tennis match on the second day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala scored a breakthrough victory at the Wimbledon Championships, racing past Renata Zarazua of Mexico, 6-1, 6-2, to advance to the second round early Wednesday (Manila time).
It was Eala’s first victory in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, improving on her first-round exit in her main-draw debut last year.
Seeded for the first time at No. 29, Eala survived a few lengthy exchanges and won five straight games to close out the opening set, 6-1, against her former doubles partner and the world No. 75.
Backed by a partisan Filipino crowd, Eala carried the momentum into the second set, breaking early before consolidating the break for a 2-0 lead. Zarazua responded with a hold, but Eala remained in control.
LIVE UPDATES: Alex Eala vs Renata Zarazua – Wimbledon 2026 first round
She faces either Serena Williams or Maya Joint next.
FIRST WIN AT WIMBLEDON. Alex Eala advances to the second round after beating Renata Zarazua, 6-1, 6-2, in an impressive start to the grass-court Grand Slam.
Alex Eala serving for the match.
Zarazua holds, but Alex Eala still leads 5-2.
Zarazua, though, responds with a 40-0 lead on serve in the seventh game.
Alex Eala takes a 5-1 advantage. One game away from advancing.
Another strong service game for Alex as she leads 40-0 in the sixth game.
Back to back games for Alex Eala for a 4-1 advantage.
Quick fourth game for Alex Eala as she holds serve for a 3-1 lead.
Back on serve, Alex Eala races to a 40-0 lead.
Zarazua responds with a hold. Eala still up 2-1.
Alex Eala holds serve to consolidate the break and lead 2-0.
40-0 lead for Alex Eala in the second game.
Break for Alex Eala! She takes a 1-0 lead in the second set.
Zarazua rallies to force a deuce.
Second set underway. Alex Eala leads 40-0 in the opening game with Zarazua serving.
Alex Eala won five straight games to win that set.
Alex Eala takes the first set, 6-1, vs Renata Zarazua.
Alex Eala at set point.
Eala is serving for the set.
Alex Eala puts that game away for a 5-1 lead in the first set.
The sixth game continues, with Alex Eala back on advantage.
Eala with break point #8 in this game.
Lenghty sixth game. Back to deuce.
Zarazua saves break points and forces a deuce.
Alex Eala with the break point. 40-0 in the sixth game.
Alex Eala holds for a 4-1 lead in the first set.
Zarazua forces a deuce again.
Another crafty approach gives Alex the advantage.
Deuce as Zarazua’s hit sails out.
Zarazua with three straight points to reach break point.
Renata Zarazua putting up a fight in the fifth game, forces a deuce.
Alex Eala breaks serve to take a 3-1 lead.
40-0 lead for Alex Eala with Renata Zarazua serving.
Alex Eala holds anew for a 2-1 advantage.
Alex Eala takes a 40-15 lead in the third game.
Zarazúa ties the first set at 1-1.
Zarazúa races to a 40-0 lead on serve.
Alex Eala holds to love for a 1-0 lead.
40-0 start for Alex in the first game. Loud cheers every point.
Match begins. Alex Eala serving first.
Eala and Zarazua warming up.
Players make their way to Court 12 to cheers from fans.
Alex Eala vs Renata Zarazua upcoming.
Waiting game for Alex Eala’s match. Match on court 12 between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alexander Bublik still on going.
Postcards from Alex Eala 💌
We surprised fans in The Queue with postcards from their favorite player!💚#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/h0oIISrcBp
— wta (@WTA) June 30, 2026
WIMBLEDON QUEUE
LOOK: A Filipina shares her experience of lining up for the Wimbledon Championships in London, England. | 🎥: Stella Gonzales pic.twitter.com/hCuhc4GyUG
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 30, 2026
Refresh this page for updates.
Filipino tennis star Alex Eala ahead of her campaign in the Wimbledon championships. –WIMBLEDON PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala enters her second Wimbledon main-draw campaign confident she has done everything she could to prepare.
Eala begins her Grand Slam grass-court bid after a phenomenal buildup that saw her win a WTA 125 title and turn heads with successive upsets at the Berlin Open.
“I think I’ve definitely put in the hours. I’ve had the matches, and I’ve had that time on court,” Eala said in an interview with Spot TV.
“So I couldn’t have come into Wimbledon in better shape. I think I’ve done everything to prepare the best way I could.”
Eala faces a familiar foe in world No. 75 Renata Zarazúa on Tuesday with a chance to win her first Wimbledon main-draw match.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Read Next
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.