The country’s tennis sensation Alexandra Eala faces off against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in her Wimbledon debut tomorrow as the country’s leaders cheered her on despite her heart-breaking loss in the Eastbourne Open women’s singles finals.
The 20-year old Eala however has risen to no. 56 in the live rankings of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) despite losing 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10) on Saturday to Maya Joint of Australia.
In his message on X, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said:
“We’re already so proud, Alex. Just play your game and enjoy every moment. The whole Philippines is behind you. LABAN!”
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also cheered Eala on.
“You may not have taken the win today, but your heart, grit and sportsmanship spoke louder than any score. You fought with everything you had – and for that, we are so incredibly proud,” she said.
Araneta-Marcos said Eala inspired a new generation of Filipinas to “dream big and play even bigger.”
“You played with so much heart, courage and grace – and while the score didn’t go our way, your spirit lit up the court. Thank you for showing us what true sportsmanship is like and for inspiring every young to chase big dreams,” she said.
The First Lady added: “Mabuhay ka, Alex! We’re so proud of you!”
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also praised Eala, calling her run to the Eastbourne finals a moment that “stirred the soul of a nation.”
He hailed Eala as a symbol of national pride and perseverance, saying her performance represented more than just an individual achievement, it was a collective victory for the country.
“Alex Eala has done more than just play the game – she has made history and stirred the soul of a nation,” he said.
“As the first Filipino to reach a WTA Tour final, Alex has brought the Philippines to the global stage of tennis,” he added.
“Beyond records and rankings, what she gave us was something even more powerful: hope, pride, and the promise of a brighter future for Philippine sports,” the Speaker said.
“She fought with heart, grace, and courage – holding four championship points in a final that electrified the world,” he said.
“Alex Eala may have lost a match – but she won a nation’s heart,” he said.
“She reminded us that the Filipino spirit is bold, relentless and destined for greatness. Mabuhay ka, Alex. The entire nation stands proud because of you,” he said.
