Hailing from a country where boxer Manny Pacquiao remains the benchmark for sporting fame, Alex Eala has the potential to be a national icon in her own right, carrying the hopes of millions as she breaks new ground in her chosen sport

The 21-year-old Eala is the first player from the Philippines to reach the third round of a grand slam and will play reigning champion Iga Swiatek on Saturday

The 21-year-old Eala came of age as she defeated champion Swiatek for the second time in her young career and reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time