President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala after her historic victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
Eala stunned Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, to advance in the tournament and become the first Filipina to reach the second week of a Grand Slam.
Speaking to the media in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday, Canada time, President Marcos praised Eala as “world-class and terrific,” saying her breakthrough is becoming a source of inspiration, especially for young Filipinos.
The President said he watched the second set of the match Saturday morning and described Eala’s victory as “good news.”
“Biruin mo, mayroon na tayong player, babae pa, na nanalo sa third round in Wimbledon. It does not get…Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class.
She’s terrific,” said the President.
“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.”
Marcos said that when Eala first began making headlines with her victories, he already believed the young Filipina had a promising future.
The President added that Eala is only getting started.
With the win, Eala recorded her seventh career Top 10 victory and secured another milestone for Philippine tennis.
Eala also entered Wimbledon as the 29th seed, marking another first for a Filipina.
She is set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, the 13th seed, in the Round of 16.