President Marcos congratulates ‘terrific’ Eala

VANCOUVER — President Marcos congratulated Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala yesterday on her victory in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, calling her “world-class” and “terrific” and “a true inspiration especially for younger people.”

Marcos spoke about Eala’s win before starting his press conference with the Philippine media who covered his four-day official visit here.

“Before I make my statement on the trip, did you watch Alex Eala? She really is becoming a true inspiration especially for younger people, younger Filipinos,” the President said.

The 21-year-old Eala dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, in the third round of Wimbledon on Saturday, to become the first Filipino player to reach the Round of 16 at any Grand Slam.

Marcos said he watched the last set of the match.

“Can you believe we have a player – a woman, no less – who won in the third round at Wimbledon. Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class. She’s terrific,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos said when Eala first started winning, he already thought there was a lot in store for her.

“If you remember when she first started winning, I said: ‘she’s just getting started.’ Well, you can see, turns out I was right. She’s just getting started,” he said.

“Congratulations, Alex. Keep it up. We’ll all be here. The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on. We know that you are fighting for, making proud, and bringing luster and honor to the Philippines. Keep going, keep going, keep going. We are behind you,” the President added.

Speaker Faustino Dy III congratulated Eala, saying her historic run has become a source of pride for the nation and an inspiration for young Filipinos to dream big.