By Jose Rafael Cesar C. Atencio
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday congratulated Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala for her landmark triumph in the third round of the Wimbledon Women’s Singles Championships in London, United Kingdom.
Eala, currently ranked No. 29 in the world, stunned the tennis community by dethroning defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, 7–6 (9), 6–2, in a commanding performance at Centre Court on Saturday.
Speaking during his state visit in Canada, the President lauded Eala’s victory as a proud moment for the Philippines, emphasizing that her achievement serves as an inspiration to young Filipino athletes and a testament to the country’s growing presence in the global sports arena.
“There are days when an entire nation celebrates together. Today is one of those days. Congratulations, Alex Eala! You have become the first Filipino ever to reach the fourth round of
Wimbledon, and the whole country couldn’t be prouder,” the President said in a statement aired over PTV News.
The Palace underscored that Eala’s success reflects the importance of supporting grassroots sports development and nurturing young talents to achieve international excellence.
Seeded No. 29, Eala saved two set points in the 84‑minute opening set en route to the Wimbledon fourth round for the first time, to the delight of her fans—including many Filipinos who watched the match online until midnight.
Statistically, Eala dominated with 71 break points compared to Swiatek’s 27, and committed only 21 unforced errors while Swiatek tallied 44.
From being the first Filipino female to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, Eala is now the first from the Philippines to advance to the second week of a major in the Open era.
“I don’t know how to describe it. I mean, I went to the second week of a Slam and it’s amazing for me. Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person so I’m really grateful to be able to share Centre Court with her at Wimbledon nonetheless,” Eala said during her on‑court interview.
The world No. 32 Eala is now 7‑4 against top 10 opponents, including 3‑0 on grass this season. Up next for Eala is No. 13 seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the round of 16 on Monday. A victory would allow her to duplicate the quarterfinal feat of Felicisimo Ampon at the 1953 French Open.
Eala first commanded global attention when she defeated Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open in March last year, 6–2, 7–5. She also beat fifth seed Madison Keys of the United States in the round of 32. (with reports from Kenneth Paciente | PTV News and PTV Sports)
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