Why Alex Eala’s Debut at Wimbledon Is a Big Deal

All eyes are on Alex Eala. The 20-year-old tennis star has proven to be a trailblazer in the sport, recording history-making feats one after the other. In her latest line of achievements, Alex reached new heights and made her country proud by becoming the first Filipino to compete at the Wimbledon main draw in the Open Era. For her historical debut, Nike famously gifted Alex a sampaguita hair tie, which she wore to her match against defending champion Barbora Krejčíková.

In an Instagram post, Alex called her Wimbledon action a “childhood dream” fulfilled. She isn’t alone in this either. Many a tennis star consider the London-based tournament the sport’s crowning glory. Tennis icon Novak Djokovic pegged it as the “most prestigious event” that he always dreamt of winning. He’s gone home with the elusive championship cup seven times.

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, dating back to its inaugural staging in 1877. Not only is it a pillar of tennis history, it’s also the court that tournament directors flocked to when they wanted to find star players back in the day when numbered rankings were yet to be developed. 

“Star” in this context meant athletes who had both the skills and charm to sell tickets for other tennis tournaments. This type of “scouting” drove players to be at their best in hopes of getting offered “under the table” incentives of at least $500 to play at other events. According to an article by The New York Times, “A good showing at Wimbledon set up the rest of the year, or even your life. It also set itself apart with certain perks players did not receive elsewhere. The club picked up players for their matches in Bentleys. There were masseurs in the locker rooms.”

The prize money this 2025 for the Singles Champion category is at £3,000,000 or P231,424,410. 

The greatest stage in tennis has molded the greatest players, most of whom have gone on  to receive widespread acclaim on a global scale after competing on the green. Wimbledon success stories include Billie Jean King, Serena Williams and Venus Williams, Steffi Graf, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer.

 

Roger, in particular, considered a living legend, won his first Grand Slam title at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships. In a 2017 interview, he expressed his gratitude for the prestigious function, saying, “It’s a big deal. I love this tournament. All my dreams came true here as a player.”

Another aspect that adds to Wimbledon’s prestige is the posh atmosphere maintained throughout the games. The tournament is especially stringent when it comes to dress code. Players are required to appear in pristine white from head to toe, a rule that originated from the 1880s because “sweat was considered to be improper and unsightly,” according to The Standard. “White was worn to avoid any sign of sweat patches.” Exception to this strict regulation was given this year to Portuguese tennis players Francisco Cabral and Nuno Borges so they could honor the late Liverpool soccer star Diogo Jota who passed away in a car crash last July 3, 2025.

Spectators, on the other hand, are not bound by a dress code, but it’s highly encouraged for the audience to attend in smart-casual wear. Most women are seen sporting sundresses or jumpsuits paired with nondescript accessories that won’t stand out from the crowd. 

The Royal Family’s participation in the tournament extends beyond the bleachers. In accordance with tradition, the Patron of the All England Club, a title given to a member of the family, always presents the winning trophy to the Wimbledon Single’s Champion. Prince Edward the Duke of Kent and Queen Elizabeth II formerly held the title until it was bestowed upon Kate Middleton, officially Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Apart from the RF, Wimbledon is also a magnet for Hollywood celebrities. During Alex’s match, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett was notably seen in the Royal Box applauding the Filipina’s performance.