‘Humbled’ Alex Eala vows to aim higher after Palace honors

MANILA – Tennis star Alex Eala reached a career-high ranking on Monday, July 13, and vowed to continue striving for greater success after Malacañang honored her for a breakthrough Wimbledon run.

Eala reached No. 28 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, after reaching the round of 16 in Wimbledon, where she defeated the tournament’s defending champion Iga Swiatek.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred on Eala a Presidential Citation during a reception at the Palace. Eala is the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam singles tournament.

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“I feel very seen. Hearing that come from you, I feel like all the hard work that I’ve done is seen. All the hours that aren’t on TV are seen and validated and appreciated,” she told the crowd in the Malacañan Ceremonial Hall.

The 21-year-old admitted she had never been as nervous delivering a speech as she was before the President.

“I have to confess, I normally do not get nervous when I have to talk. But today is an exception. I’m pretty nervous,” she said.

More than the accolades, Eala said that her Wimbledon run helped her realize the impact she has on millions of Filipinos.

“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, tagumpay nating lahat (this is our victory). I cannot begin to describe how overjoyed I am to see how the Filipino people has received my progress.”

Hard-court season starts this month

“Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Pilipino (I take great pride in being Filipino). I carry the flag with me wherever I go,” she said.

“So, I promise that I will continue to represent the Philippines in the best way that I possibly can.”

The Filipina was ranked No. 140 in the WTA when she first defeated Swiatek in the Miami Open quarterfinals in March 2025.

Her next tournament will be the Mubadala DC Open. The WTA 500 hard-court tournament will begin on July 27 in Washington D.C.

For Eala, however, the Palace recognition was not a finish line but a reminder that there is more to accomplish.

“All the hours that aren’t on TV” have been recognized, she said, and they continue as she sets her sights on greater milestones for Philippine tennis. (PNA)

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