Alex Eala’s historic Wimbledon journey came to a close on Thursday as she and German partner Eva Lys bowed out of the women’s doubles competition following a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Brazilian Ingrid Martins and American Quinn Gleason in the opening round at Court 4.
Just two days removed from her landmark appearance on Centre Court — where she became the first Filipino in the Open era to compete in the singles main draw — Eala returned to the famed grass courts in hopes of extending her campaign through doubles play.
Originally set for a 7:10 PM start (Manila time), the match was delayed to 8:05 PM. Still, the wait did little to slow down Gleason and Martins, who finished the job in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The match began with Eala holding serve and saving three break points to put her and Lys ahead, 1-0.
But their lead quickly vanished as Gleason and Martins leveled, then broke serve to surge ahead.
Despite solid holds from both Eala and Lys, the American-Brazilian pair kept their noses in front and took the opening set, 6-4.
In the second set, Eala and Lys started well, but the turning point came in the fourth game when they failed to convert six break point chances in the longest game of the match.
That missed opportunity allowed Gleason and Martins to take full control, eventually closing out the match, 6-2.
The defeat ends Eala’s 2025 Wimbledon campaign, but not without history.
Her singles showdown against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova — a gritty 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 loss — marked a significant milestone for Philippine tennis.
