Photo credit: Alex Eala

On Instagram, Alex Eala found the perfect words to capture a milestone moment in her young career — and perhaps the sentiment of every athlete who reaches the stage they’ve long imagined.

“Realized something funny yesterday — when you’re living your dream, it doesn’t feel real,” the 19-year-old Filipina tennis star wrote, following her Wimbledon main draw debut.

Eala faced former world No. 2 and Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, a formidable opponent for any player, let alone a debutante on one of tennis’s biggest stages. Yet for Eala, the match was about more than just the result.

“Yesterday, I was living my dream. Couldn’t have asked for a better debut,” she said in her post, calling the match “special in more ways than one.” She reflected on fulfilling “a childhood dream” and, even more profoundly, being “part of something bigger than myself — history for my country.”

Eala also extended her congratulations to Krejcikova, calling it “an honor to share the court” with the Czech star.

With singles behind her, Eala now sets her sights on the doubles draw, teaming up with close friend and partner Eva Lys. “Next up: Doubles with my girl @eva.lys 💅,” she added, ending her message on a light, confident note.

For fans in the Philippines and beyond, Eala’s words — and her performance — are yet another reminder that she is not just living her dream, but inspiring others to chase theirs as well.