Alex Eala historic Wimbledon run thrills boxing-obsessed Philippines

Alexandra Eala has reached the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon, the furthest any player from the Philippines has gone in a Grand Slam tournament.

The 21-year-old's matches have attracted viewing parties and mainstream media coverage in the Philippines - a country obsessed with boxing and basketball.

Eala's former Wimbledon doubles partner, Venus Williams congratulated her for making "history" and earlier, Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said he was "so proud" of Eala, encouraging her to "keep it up".

On Saturday, Filipino fans will tune in to see whether she can beat defending champion Iga Swiatek and keep her Wimbledon dream alive.

Eala has beaten Swiatek before.

"I think it's going to be tough for me. I'm going to try to make it tough for her, as well," Eala said.

"I'm expecting a great challenge. But I think I'm ready for it," said the 29th seed, who is fresh off her win against Australia's Maya Joint.

"For me to be able to represent the Philippines in Wimbledon, I guess, and in the biggest stages in the world, it means so much to me," Eala told reporters after her second-round victory.