Alex Eala returns home after historic Wimbledon run

A welcome fit for a hero awaited Alex Eala as she returned to the Philippines following her historic Wimbledon campaign with fans eager to celebrate the Filipina tennis star before she resumes her run at the hard-court swing in the US Open.

The 21-year-old arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday to mark her homecoming.

She was welcomed back by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) secretary general John Rey Tiangco.

Eala will spend the next few days in the Philippines, where she is scheduled to attend a series of homecoming events, including media engagements and fan meets before returning to the tour.

Her homecoming came just days after she wrapped up a breakthrough run at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.

Eala put together a stellar Wimbledon campaign, opening with a straight-sets victory over Renata Zarazua before rallying from a set down to defeat Maya Joint in the second round. She then delivered arguably the biggest win of her career, stunning defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, in the third round to reach the Round of 16.

Eala put up a gallant fight against Jasmine Paolini but ultimately lost, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6.

She is now headed back to the hard court and is expected to compete in the WTA1000 National Bank Open in Canada next month. After which, she will see action in the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA news