By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alex Eala made it clear that her stunning upset of World’s No. 3 Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon is only the beginning, insisting she is already focused on the next challenge despite one of the biggest victories of her career.

Fresh off her 7-6 (9), 6-2 triumph on Centre Court to reach the fourth round, the Filipina rising star admitted the emotional moment meant a great deal to her, but stressed that she is not content with simply making history.

“Obviously, because I’m emotional does not mean I’m satisfied. Next round. Let’s go,” Eala said.

Eala acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion, describing the match against the five-time Grand Slam champion as one of the biggest of her young career.

“This is one of the biggest matches of my life, for sure. This is my dream court. I’m really happy with the atmosphere that you guys gave. Thank you so much for cheering me on,” she said.

The 21-year-old credited years of hard work for putting her in position to seize the opportunity, particularly after edging Swiatek in an intense first-set tiebreak.

“When I have my opportunities, I have to take it. They’re blessings. Being here is a blessing. I worked super, super hard to get here, and I’m taking it. If I have it, [if] I have the chance, I’m taking it,” Eala said.

Eala also expressed gratitude for the strong support she received from Filipino fans inside Centre Court, saying their presence inspired her throughout the match.

“It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on and knowing that we’re all in this together. So, this goes out to them, this goes out to my family, this goes out to all the little girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks. Yeah, so it means the world,” she added.

The victory sent Eala into the fourth round of Wimbledon, where she is scheduled to battle Italian Jasmine Paolini for a quarterfinals slot./ASC, WDJ