This opinion-style column reflects on why fans find underdog victories compelling across sports. It highlights a tennis upset at Wimbledon where Alexandra Eala defeated the reigning women’s champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets, and notes the rarity of such a breakthrough for a player from the Philippines reaching the latter stage of a Grand Slam.
The writer contrasts the routine enjoyment of watching favourites dominate with a different satisfaction that comes from an underdog stretching, resisting pressure, and ultimately overcoming a much higher-ranked opponent. The column then applies the same theme to cricket: it mentions Ireland’s 2–0 T20I series win over India as a result that disappointed Indian supporters, yet still reads as evidence of how conditions and execution can overturn expectations in international sport.