'Positivity is my superpower' - Paolini holds off Eala to reach last eight

Paolini holds off Eala to reach quarter-finalsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Paolini reached the final of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024ByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalist at WimbledonPublished5 minutes agoJasmine Paolini secured a gritty win over Alexandra Eala to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals and end the Filipina's historic run.Eala became the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a major in the Open era when she beat defending champion Iga Swiatek on Saturday.Despite fighting hard to force a deciding set, the 21-year-old was unable to continue her dream run as she fell to a 6-4 4-6 6-3 defeat by the resilient Italian. It is the first time Paolini has reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since she reached back-to-back finals at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024.Her bubbly personality and energy on court saw her become a crowd favourite at the All England Club two years ago, when she finished runner-up to Barbora Krejcikova.And 14th seed Paolini, who has struggled with a foot injury this year, celebrated with a beaming smile before saying her positivity was her "superpower"."It was really tough, a rollercoaster. 2026 proved a lot to me," the 30-year-old said."There were tough moments but I kept working. Every day I'm feeling better, I feel in the right way when I compete on court again. "I love what I do but I have to enjoy it - it's my superpower."Related topicsTennisMore on this storyLive scores, results and order of playGet tennis news sent straight to your phonePublished8 June