President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday honored tennis star Alex Eala for her historic Wimbledon campaign, describing the 21-year-old as a champion who embodies the finest qualities of the Filipino people and inspires the nation with both her achievements and humility.
During a homecoming reception in Malacañang, Marcos presented Eala with a Presidential Citation recognizing her as the first Filipina to achieve unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit.
The citation commended Eala for her “exceptional talent, perseverance, and unwavering determination,” and for inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes while bringing pride and honor to the country.
“You have brought so much pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handled that success,” Marcos said.
“Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud. Because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. So you remind us why we are a great race.”
Eala made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 in a Grand Slam singles tournament.
Her campaign was highlighted by a stunning third-round victory over defending Wimbledon champion and then-world No. 3 Iga Swiatek before bowing to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in three sets in the fourth round.
With her impressive Wimbledon campaign, Eala earned a career-high No. 28 rank in the latest Women’s Tennis Association rankings.
Marcos said Eala’s breakthrough in Wimbledon went beyond sports, noting that Filipinos around the world rallied behind her during her matches.
“We are all behind you. The entire Filipino nation has come to love you because of your sweetness and grace,” he said.
Marcos also lauded Eala’s discipline and mindset, recalling how she immediately focused on her next goal after her victories.
“That is a sign of a true fighter, a true champion… You allow yourself to be happy for three minutes and then you start thinking about your next match,” he said.
In her response, Eala thanked Marcos for the recognition, saying it recognized years of hard work that often go unseen.
“I feel very seen. Hearing that come from you, I feel like all the hard work that I’ve done is seen. All the hours that aren’t on TV are seen and validated and appreciated,” she said.
Eala vowed to continue carrying the Philippine flag proudly in every tournament.
“Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Pilipino (I take great pride in being Filipino). I carry the flag with me wherever I go,” she said.
“I promise that I will continue to represent the Philippines in the best way that I possibly can.” (PNA)
