Wimbledon 2026 Day 6: Rising Stars and Unexpected Victories

The Athletic offers live coverage of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, with a detailed look behind each day’s events. On Day 6, we witnessed a rising star’s breakout, a British player’s persistence, and a new path forged by an American athlete.

Alexandra Eala’s Breakthrough Moment

Alexandra Eala from the Philippines made a significant impact on Centre Court. Despite the disparity between her popularity and achievements, Eala’s following is immense. She became a new sporting icon in the Philippines where her matches attract huge gatherings and her interviews garner millions of views.

At the age of 21, ranked No. 32, Eala had not progressed beyond the second round at Grand Slam events before this Wimbledon. She shook the tennis world by defeating defending champion Iga Świątek 7-6(9), 6-2 on Centre Court. Eala’s fearless performance won her admiration worldwide.

She expressed gratitude for her support and emphasized her personal journey. Eala wants her fans to create their own paths rather than be the next Alex Eala. Her game, especially well-suited to grass, led her to victory at the Birmingham Classic and the semis in Berlin. She next faces 2024 finalist Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round.

British Hope and Determination: Arthur Fery

Arthur Fery, the last British player in the tournament, showed resilience. Born in France to notable parents, Fery made a comeback from two sets down to win against Zizou Bergs. This match was the longest of his career and propelled him into the Grand Slam second week.

The 23-year-old captivated crowds with his perseverance. Despite challenges like recurring nosebleeds, he remained composed and focused. Fery is preparing for his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, hoping to continue his Wimbledon journey.

American Success on Grass: Ashlyn Krueger

Texan Ashlyn Krueger, aged 22, showed remarkable progress in recent months. After a series of disappointing performances, Krueger found form on grass, reaching the semifinals at the Birmingham Open and claiming a WTA 125 title in Ilkley.

Now, Krueger’s consistency is paying off at Wimbledon, with victories over tough opponents, including a recent win against Daria Snigur. Standing tall with a powerful serve, she faces Marta Kostyuk next, eager to extend her successful run.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Wimbledon made efforts to accommodate all visitors by introducing a Family and Sensory Room. This space caters to neurodivergent individuals, providing a calm environment for relaxation amid the bustling tournament atmosphere.

According to Tristan Wesley, Senior Guest Experience Manager, feedback has been positive, and plans are underway to expand accessibility features. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall experience for diverse audience groups in the future.

Day 6 Notable Results

A number of exciting matches took place. Germany’s Alexander Zverev advanced by defeating Marcos Giron. Marta Kostyuk continued her strong performance, overcoming Emma Navarro. Jiří Lehečka, Jasmine Paolini, and Taylor Fritz also emerged victorious in their respective matches.

Upcoming Matches

• Jessica Pegula vs. Iva Jović: All-American clash with Pegula’s strong serve competing against Jović’s mobility and power.
• Roman Safiullin vs. Novak Djokovic: Djokovic seeks to set a new win record, facing an aggressive Safiullin.
• Aryna Sabalenka vs. Naomi Osaka: Two powerhouses in pursuit of their Wimbledon dreams. Osaka aims to counter Sabalenka’s history of successes against her.
• Belinda Bencic vs. Coco Gauff: Anticipated showdown on grass, both players looking to leverage their skills and reach deeper in the tournament.