Jasmine Paolini ends Alexandra Eala's historic Wimbledon run to reach quarter-finals

LONDON: Italy's Jasmine Paolini booked her place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals after overcoming the spirited challenge of Alexandra Eala with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory here at Centre Court on Monday.

Last year's runner-up relied on her experience to halt Eala's remarkable campaign in a hard-fought fourth-round contest played in sweltering conditions. The Italian will now compete in the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the second time in her career.

The 30-year-old arrived at the Championships with concerns over a persistent foot injury, having played only one grass-court match in the build-up.

She also made a difficult start to the tournament, losing the opening set of her first-round match 6-0 before steadily improving with each outing.

Paolini said she gradually regained her confidence and form at Wimbledon after a difficult start, adding that success on grass depends largely on finding the right rhythm.

"I came here without many matches in the last month and after the first set in the first round, it was like 'okay I can only get better, it can't go worse'," Paolini said.

"I'm feeling better point by point and game by game. Grass is a weird surface, sometimes you love it, sometimes you hate, but when you play well and feel good, it's the best surface."

Eala made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam.

The left-hander earned widespread praise for her fearless attacking tennis, including a stunning victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek in the previous round.

After dropping the opening set, Eala responded impressively to level the match and force a decider, but Paolini raised her intensity at the crucial moments to seal victory.