Marcos Congratulates ‘Terrific’ Eala

VANCOUVER — President Marcos congratulated Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala on Sunday, July 5 (Philippine time) on her victory in the third round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, calling her “world-class” and “terrific” and “a true inspiration especially for younger people.”

Marcos spoke about Eala’s win before starting his press conference with the Philippine media who covered his four-day official visit here.

“Before I make my statement on the trip, did you watch Alex Eala? She really is becoming a true inspiration especially for younger people, younger Filipinos,” the President said.

The 21-year-old Eala dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, in the third round of Wimbledon on Saturday, July 4, to become the first Filipino player to reach the Round of 16 at any Grand Slam.

Marcos said he watched the last set of the match.

“Can you believe we have a player – a woman, no less – who won in the third round at Wimbledon. Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class. She’s terrific,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos said when Eala first started winning, he already thought there was a lot in store for her.

“If you remember when she first started winning, I said: ‘she’s just getting started.’ Well, you can see, turns out I was right. She’s just getting started,” he said.

“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,” the President added.

Speaker Faustino Dy III congratulated Eala, saying her historic run has become a source of pride for the nation and an inspiration for young Filipinos to dream big.

Fast-rising Eala takes on Paolini at Wimbledon

LONDON – Wimbledon's fourth round continues on Monday, July 6 with Eala looking to extend her fairytale run by taking on two-times Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini.

Eala, who was already enjoying something of a breakout season with wins over Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, was thrust into the spotlight on Saturday, July 4, when ?she sent defending champion Iga Swiatek crashing out of Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old Filipina now has 2024 Wimbledon finalist Paolini in the crosshairs, but she is taking nothing for granted despite having already beaten the Italian in straight sets in Dubai earlier this year.

"She is a great fighter. It was not an easy match in Dubai for me. It will not be an easy match here either," Eala told reporters.

World number 17 Paolini, meanwhile, hailed her opponent’s quality, pointing to Eala’s semi-final run in Berlin last month, saying: “I think that the game of Eala's fits very ?well to grass... I think she’s a very dangerous player here.”

“She's playing great. She has a huge crowd with her. Now on the bridge they were screaming ‘Alex, Alex.’ It's so good for our sport, I think, to involve more people around the world,” Paolini added. – With Reuters