Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday hailed Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala as the country’s “newest and youngest national hero” after she fought through a right-foot injury to defeat Caty McNally at the Canadian Open.
“Make way for our newest and youngest national hero – Alex Eala!” Lacson posted on his social media account after Eala overcame her injury to extend her winning streak.
During her Round of 32 match on Sunday (Manila time), Eala lsuffered an injury o her right foot but pushed through, demonstrating the signature never-say-die spirit that has defined her historic run in recent weeks.
The victory comes shortly after Eala made history as the first Filipino tennis player to win a WTA Tour singles title, capturing the Mubadala DC Open crown against Jessica Pegula in a rain-delayed final.
Following the milestone win earlier this week, Lacson joined millions of Filipino who stayed up late to follow the action, publicly thanking Eala for her achievement.
“Thank you Alex Eala for bringing honor and pride to our country, kahit pinuyat mo kaming mga Pinoy dito Pilipinas kagabi. Nakalimutan ko, may impeachment trial pala kami this morning,” he said in a post on social media, delivering the last line in jest.
“Thank you Alex Eala for bringing honor and pride to our country, even if you kept us Filipinos awake late into the night. I almost forgot there is an impeachment trial this morning,” Lacson added in English.