Wimbledon 2026: Swiatek shocked by World No. 32 Eala in Round Three

Alexandra Eala returns to Iga Swiatek during their Rd-3 tie; (right) A dejected Iga Swiatek following her loss to Alexandra Eala on Saturday. Pics/AFP

Reigning champion and World No. 3 Iga Swiatek was dumped out of Wimbledon in the third round on Saturday as an inspired Alexandra Eala created more history for the Philippines with a straight-sets victory on Centre Court.

Eala edged a dramatic 84-minute first set before powering to a 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 victory over a stunned Swiatek on Centre Court to reach the last 16.

"It's difficult to describe. I'm in the second week of a Slam and it's incredible for me, Iga is a phenomenal player. I'm really emotional. Maybe for someone who has won many slams, this achievement may seem small, but for someone who grew up in the Philippines, this is everything," said Eala.

It is six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek's earliest exit from a major tournament since another third-round defeat, by Yulia Putintseva, also at Wimbledon two years ago.

The World No. 32 was not overawed by taking on six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, notching her second win in three meetings with the Polish third seed.

The left-hander will next face former runner-up Jasmine Paolini on Monday.

Meanwhile, Swiatek, 25, failed to bounce back from a disappointing last-16 defeat at the French Open, making 44 unforced errors as she struggled to regroup after missing two sets points in a first-set tie-break.

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