Alex Eala dedicates Wimbledon win vs. Iga Swiatek to her younger self: 'For her, this is everything'

Alexandra "Alex" Eala could not help but turn emotional after dethroning defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, 7(11)-6(9), 6-2, on Saturday to reach the Round of 16 of the grass-court Grand Slam.

Eala recalled how it had once been her dream just to share Centre Court with a multi-time Grand Slam champion like Swiatek, making the moment even more special.

"I've been to the second week of a Slam and it's amazing for me. Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person. So I'm really grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her at Wimbledon nonetheless," Eala said in an interview.

"I'm really emotional. Maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many Slams, or maybe someone like Serena or Venus [Williams], this achievement may seem small, but for someone who grew up in the Philippines..." Eala said as she turned emotional and dedicated the victory to her younger self.

"I went to train with my brother and my grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks, my light-up shoes, and chubby cheeks, to her this is everything."

Eala also thanked those who cheered her on, especially members of the Filipino community.

"It's incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on, and knowing that, you know, 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 said.

Eala will next face Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16.

—JKC, GMA News