Marcos to Eala: You will always be our champion

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos hailed Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala as her historic Wimbledon campaign came to a close on Monday in London.

“This remarkable Wimbledon run may have come to an end. But after what you have accomplished, I believe the world has only begun to see what Filipinos are capable of,” Marcos said in a social media post yesterday.

Eala’a campaign in the queen of grass tournaments ended with a 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 loss to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16. Before that, the 21-year-old Filipina pulled off a stunning 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 win over 2025 Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek of Poland.

“Thank you, Alex Eala, for proving that no dream is beyond the reach of a Filipino who dares to dream and works for it,” the President told Eala, who became the first Filipino tennis player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament.

“Walang makakahinto sa iyong paglago (Nothing can stop you). The whole nation is proud of you. You will always be our champion,” he said.

In a separate social media post, the First Lady said Eala’s Wimbledon run proved that a Filipino belongs among the world’s best.“The journey doesn’t end here,” Liza said.

“This Wimbledon proved that a Filipino belongs among the world’s best and that we are here to stay,” she said in her official social media account.

“Thank you, Alex Eala, for showing us what is possible. We cannot wait to see what comes next. We are proud of you, always,” she said.

On Sunday, Marcos congratulated Eala on her win against Swiatek, describing the Filipina ace as “terrific” and a “true inspiration, especially for younger people.”

House Speaker Faustino Dy III also praised Eala, saying she has won the Filipinos’ hearts despite falling short of reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

He said every match Eala played throughout the tournament showed her determination, resilience and steady growth as one of the world’s rising tennis stars.

Dy thanked Eala for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines and serving as an inspiration to young Filipinos who dream in succeeding in sports and on the international stage.

“The best is yet to come,” he said.

Eala, a two-time winner on the WTA, tried to become the first player from the Philippines to reach a singles Grand Slam quarter-final since Felicisimo Ampon at the 1953 French Open.