Fast-rising Eala takes on Paolini at Wimbledon, Fritz faces Bublik test

LONDON, July 5 : Wimbledon's fourth round continues on Monday, with Alexandra Eala looking to extend her fairytale run by taking on two-times Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini, while Taylor Fritz faces Alexander Bublik.

TOP WOMEN'S MATCH: ALEXANDRA EALA V JASMINE PAOLINI

Eala, who was already enjoying something of a breakout season with wins over Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, was thrust into the spotlight on Saturday when she sent defending champion Iga Swiatek crashing out of Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old Filipina now has 2024 Wimbledon finalist Paolini in the crosshairs, but she is taking nothing for granted despite having already beaten the Italian in straight sets in Dubai earlier this year.

"She is a great fighter. It was not an easy match in Dubai for me. It will not be an easy match here either," Eala told reporters.

World number 17 Paolini, meanwhile, hailed her opponent's quality, pointing to Eala's semi-final run in Berlin last month, saying: "I think that the game of Eala's fits very well to grass... I think she's a very dangerous player here.

"She's playing great. She has a huge crowd with her. Now on the bridge they were screaming 'Alex, Alex'. It's so good for our sport, I think, to involve more people around the world."

TOP MEN'S MATCH: ALEXANDER BUBLIK V TAYLOR FRITZ

In the men's draw, Fritz is looking to reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon for a third straight year, but faces a tricky test in the shape of Kazakh Bublik.  

Bublik, who beat Fritz's compatriot Frances Tiafoe in five sets in the third round, is considered one of the great entertainers in tennis for his unorthodox style and use of trick shots.

“It’s going to be a great match against Taylor. I hope to be in form. I have to take care of my body and I