Vancouver, Canada — Alex Eala’s historic run at Wimbledon is only the beginning, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Saturday, July 4, expressing confidence that the Filipina tennis star has bigger achievements ahead.
Eala reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, with Marcos saying her latest victory shows she is only beginning to realize her potential.
Marcos opened his final media briefing in Canada by congratulating the 20-year-old, who became the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 at Wimbledon after defeating defending champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
“She really is becoming a true inspiration, especially for younger Filipinos,” Marcos said.
He described Eala as a world-class athlete.
“Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class,” he said. “She’s terrific.”
Marcos recalled saying years ago that Eala’s early international success was only the beginning.
“I said she was just getting started,” he said. “Well, it turns out I was right. She’s just getting started.”
He predicted the young tennis star has even bigger achievements ahead.
“Marami pang ibubuga ’yung bata natin,” he said.
(“She still has so much more to give.”)
Marcos said he watched the final set of Eala’s match before speaking to reporters.
The president also thanked Eala for bringing pride to the country.
“The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on. We know that you are fighting to make the Philippines proud and bring honor to our country. Keep going. We are behind you.”
