From ruffled socks and chubby cheeks to Wimbledon spotlight, Eala shocks holder Swiatek

LONDON, July 4 : Iga Swiatek's Wimbledon title defence went up in smoke as the Polish third seed fell 7‑6(9) 6-2 to rising Filipina Alexandra Eala in the third round after a fierce gladiatorial battle at the All England Club on Saturday.

Last year's triumph ended years of questions about Swiatek's ability to master the sport's fastest surface, yet the 25-year-old arrived at the All England Club following an early defeat in the Bad Homburg tune-up event and still seeking consistency.

After battling past Taylor Townsend and sealing an assured win over Karolina Pliskova in her last two rounds, Swiatek came up against an inspired Eala in their Centre Court showdown and fell short under the blazing afternoon sun.

"I don't know how to describe it," said an emotional Eala.

"I mean, I'm in the second week of a Grand Slam, and it's amazing for me. Iga's a phenomenal player and nice person. So I'm grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her.

"Maybe for someone like Iga, who has won so many Grand Slams, or maybe someone like Serena or Venus Williams, this achievement may seem small.

"But for someone who grew up in the Philippines ... I went to training with my brother and my grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and my light-up shoes and chubby cheeks, so ... to her, this is everything.

"But because I'm emotional does not mean I'm satisfied, so yeah, okay, next round. Let's go."

EALA CLINCHES HIGH-OCTANE OPENING SET

After suffering a shock defeat to Eala in Miami last year, Swiatek gained revenge when they met again on the clay of Madrid but the Pole found herself in trouble after losing a high-octane opening set in which both players gave the other no quarter.

Swiatek smiled at the end of the set but was soon