Alexandra Eala’s historic debut on Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court ended in heartbreak on Tuesday, as defending champion Barbora Krejcikova clawed her way back from a first-set scare to snuff out the Filipina’s hopes in a gripping three-set battle, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Eala, just 20 and making her first-ever main draw appearance at the All England Club, looked poised to pull off the upset of the tournament after stunning the reigning champion in the opening set.

With fearless shot-making and nerves of steel, the young lefty took control early, exploiting Krejcikova’s erratic serve and punishing her weak second deliveries.

The crowd roared as Eala, calm but determined, outdueled the Czech star from the baseline and dictated rallies with her lethal two-handed backhand. For a set, she looked every bit like a player ready to write history.

But experience ultimately won out, as Krejcikova took command and turned the tide.

The defending champion reeled off 12 of the next 16 games, dismantling Eala’s rhythm and exposing the cracks in her serve. While the young Filipina fought to stay in the match, she struggled to hold serve under pressure.

Krejcikova, in contrast, found her groove—gliding through her service games with ease and conceding just one breakpoint the rest of the way. She let out a big roar after completing the victory at love.

“I have to give credit to Alex. She gave me a hard time in the first set,” said the 29-year-old Czech who expects Eala to get better in a couple of years.

Still, it was an impressive showing for Eala, who began the year ranked No. 134 and continues to prove she belongs on tennis’ biggest stage.

Eala’s hot start

Eala, riding high from her runner-up finish at the Eastbourne Championship, stormed into Wimbledon with fierce intent—taking full advantage of Krejcikova’s unsteady serve to snatch the first set in just 49 minutes.

The Czech star, also a former French Open champion, unraveled under pressure, coughing up five double faults as the Filipina relentlessly pounced on her vulnerable second serves.

With her trademark two-handed backhand firing like a cannon, Eala kept Krejcikova on her heels, catching her flatfooted time and again.

The opening set was a rollercoaster of early service breaks, with both players trading punches in the first four games. But Eala wrested control in the fifth, breaking for a 3-2 lead, then holding firm in the sixth before cracking Krejcikova again to surge ahead, 5-2.

The eighth game became a war of wills, stretching to six deuces. Krejcikova fended off a set point and momentarily stayed in the fight—but Eala was unrelenting.

With ice in her veins, the Filipina served out the set with confidence and composure, putting the first chapter of this battle firmly in her pocket.