The British Embassy in Manila has spotlighted a little-known Filipino contribution to Wimbledon, noting that for more than two decades, every official Slazenger tennis ball used in the tournament has been manufactured in Mariveles, Bataan.

In a recent social media post, the embassy said the balls have been “proudly made in Mariveles, Bataan,” bringing a piece of the Philippines to the iconic grass courts of London alongside rising Filipino tennis star Alex Eala.

The statement underscores the Philippines’ role in one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, where precision and consistency are critical to every match.

Located in Central Luzon, the Mariveles facility has served as the exclusive global production hub for Wimbledon tennis balls since 2002.

Each season, more than 54,000 tournament-grade balls are produced there, all meeting strict international standards for quality, durability and performance.

Workers at the plant carry out a highly specialized process — from rubber core formation to felt application and final inspection — ensuring each ball behaves consistently on grass courts. The manufacturing requires exact measurements and rigorous testing, reflecting the high demands of Grand Slam play.

While the spotlight at Wimbledon often shines on athletes competing on Centre Court, the tournament also depends on a global supply chain — with Filipino craftsmanship playing a central role behind the scenes.