“What a full-circle moment.”
This was what Filipinos commented after learning that the tennis balls used in Wimbledon, where Alex Eala is playing, are made in the Philippines.
The British Embassy in Manila on Wednesday, July 1 reposted a clip of the Wimbledon account featuring the Pinay tennis sensation making history as the first Filipina to win in the London-based major tournament.
Alex won against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua early Wednesday morning (Manila time), advancing to the second round of Wimbledon.
“Congratulations to Alex Eala on her historic first win at Wimbledon!” the British Embassy in Manila said in the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
“From PH to Centre Court, Alex Eala has had strong start — and with Slazenger balls made in Bataan, the Philippines is right there with her on court. Good luck, Alex!” it added.
Congratulations to Alex Eala on her historic first win at Wimbledon!
From PH to Centre Court, Alex Eala has had strong start—and with Slazenger balls made in Bataan, the Philippines is right there with her on court. Good luck Alex! https://t.co/YuqPtZo7CS
— British Embassy Manila 🇬🇧🇵🇭 (@ukinphilippines) July 1, 2026
The information about Wimbledon’s tennis balls earned Filipinos’ attention, who expressed shock upon learning the tidbit.
“THE TENNIS BALLS IN WIMBLEDON ARE MADE HERE???” someone wrote.
“‘Dibaaaa, mowmmm, what a full-circle moment, nakaka-proud huhu,” another user commented with heart hands emojis.
“I had no idea too!!!” exclaimed a different user.
“Forgot about it. Thanks, British Embassy, for reminding us. Now, a Filipina proudly hitting that ball made in the Philippines. Full circle moment,” commented another user.
Slazenger is the official tennis ball supplier of Wimbledon. It has held the position since 1902, making it the longest-running sporting sponsorship in history.
Slazenger tennis balls were first requested to be used at Wimbledon by champion tennis players.
Although it is a British brand, its production shifted to Bataan in the early 2000s after its factory in the United Kingdom closed.
The glue and rubber used in the balls are sourced in Basilan.
Other materials, such as clay, wool, silica, and magnesium carbonate, are sourced from countries including the USA, New Zealand, Greece, and Japan, respectively.