Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Sunday praised tennis sensation Alex Eala for giving Filipinos a “much-needed dose of inspiration and unity” on the eve of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lacson said Eala’s historic feat as the first Filipino player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament by dethroning Iga Swiatek offered the country a welcome lift amid a tense political climate.
“She is the detoxifier that our country’s highly toxic atmosphere needs and an influential unifier of a deeply divided nation. Thank you, Alex Eala, for lifting the Filipino spirit. God bless you, and the Philippines,” Lacson said on X.
Eala advanced after ending Swiatek’s title defense on Saturday. She will next face 13th-seeded Jasmine Paolini for a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Lacson had earlier lauded Eala for her breakthrough Wimbledon win in the opening round and for her comeback victory over Maya Joint.
He said the Filipina tennis player’s indomitable fighting spirit made every Filipino proud.