President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Filipina tennis star Alex Eala to Malacañang on Monday night and presented her with a presidential citation for her historic Wimbledon run.
“Go, girl!” Marcos said as he honored Eala for becoming the first Filipino to reach the third round of the Wimbledon Championships.
The President and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos hosted a homecoming dinner for Eala at the Palace.
“You have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handled that success. Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud. Because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. So, you remind us why we are a great race,” Marcos said.
The President recalled saying when Eala first began gaining international attention that she was “just getting started.”
“And you know what? You proved me right. Thank you. You proved me right,” Marcos said.
He also praised Eala’s discipline and determination, recalling an interview in which she said she was already focused on her next challenge despite her success.
“That is the sign of a true fighter, a true champion,” Marcos said.
The President said he hopes to watch Eala compete live, noting that he stays up late to follow her matches along with Filipinos around the world.
“Everywhere around the world, we have been watching you. We’ve been willing you on, and we have been so proud of you,” he said.
Marcos also praised Eala for consistently highlighting her Filipino identity in interviews and public appearances.
“You don’t forget the rest of us. You don’t think that you somehow left it all behind, quite the contrary. You always seem to give the impression that it is because you are a Filipina that you are doing so well, and we sincerely agree with you,” Marcos said.
Eala, for her part, vowed to continue representing the Philippines and expressed gratitude for the support she has received.
“I’m so grateful that I am able to share my triumphs, most especially my recent run at Wimbledon, with the country. As we say, this is our victory. I cannot begin to describe how overjoyed I am to see how my progress has been received by the Filipino people,” she said.
“It warms my heart because I know that it comes from a profound and shared love for our nation. With that being said, lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Pilipino. I carry the flag with me wherever I go,” she added.
Marcos assured Eala of the country’s continued support as she pursues further success on the international tennis circuit.
“We are all, 110 million of us, we are all here behind you, willing you on to greater success. If there’s anything that we can do to help you, even for—you just say so, you have it,” he said.
During the event, Eala presented the President and the First Lady with caps and signed tennis balls.