President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has lauded Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala for her historic performance at Wimbledon, calling her achievements a profound source of pride and a powerful motivator for the nation’s youth.
Concluding his official trip to Canada on Sunday, July 5 (Manila time), Marcos enthusiastically asked Philippine media representatives if they had been following Eala’s recent matches at the legendary grass-court Grand Slam in London.
“She really is becoming a true inspiration, especially for younger people, younger Filipinos,” the President said.
“Biruin mo, mayroon na tayong player, babae pa, na nanalo sa third round in Wimbledon,” he added.
Marcos emphasized that Eala’s success on the historic courts of Wimbledon proves she undeniably belongs among the global tennis elite.
“Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class,” he said.
“She’s terrific,” he added.
Reflecting on his past predictions regarding her potential, the President noted that her current trajectory suggests her career is only just beginning to soar.
“Well, you can see, turns out I was right. She’s just getting started,” he said.
“Marami pang ibubuga yung bata natin,” he added.
Marcos, who managed to catch the decisive final set of her match, celebrated her progression as an incredible milestone. The 20-year-old athlete etched her name in the history books as the first Filipina ever to reach the third round of the Wimbledon singles main draw, following an already stellar season where she became the first Filipina to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal at the Miami Open. Her standout performance in Miami included victories over Grand Slam champions and top-tier opponents, propelling her to a career-high world ranking.
Assuring Eala that the entire Philippines stands united behind her continued quest for Grand Slam glory, Marcos extended his gratitude for her exceptional representation of the country.
“Congratulations, Alex. Keep it up. We’ll all be here. The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on,” the President said.
“Making us proud and bringing luster and honor to the Philippines.”
“Keep going, keep going, keep going. We are behind you,” he said.
Eala’s third-round victory secured her seventh career win over a Top 10 player and secured her place as the first Filipina to enter the second week of a Grand Slam singles draw.
Competing as the 29th seed—another historic first for a Filipina—she is scheduled to take on Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, the tournament’s 13th seed, in the Round of 16.