Eala vows to continue bearing PH flag on the global stage

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis star Alex Eala on Monday vowed to continue representing the Philippines with pride on the international stage during her homecoming reception in Malacañang on Tuesday, following her breakthrough campaign at Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old Eala said she was overjoyed at how her progress has been received by Filipinos all over the world.

“Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Filipino (I am very proud to be a Filipino),” Eala said in her speech after receiving a presidential citation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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“I carry the flag with me wherever I go. And I am a firm believer that where you come from is a big part of who you are, she added.

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Eala said the recognition by President Marcos himself made her feel that the sacrifices behind her success had been recognized.

“I feel very seen. Hearing that come from you, I feel like all the hard work that I’ve done is seen and validated and appreciated,” she told Marcos.

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

Reflecting on her breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, where she became the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam singles tournament, Eala said the achievement was not hers alone but belonged to every Filipino.

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“I‘m so grateful that I am able to share my triumphs, especially my recent run at Wimbledon, with the country. Sabi nga natin, tagumpay ito nating lahat (As they said, this victory is for all of us Filipinos),” Eala said.

“I cannot begin to describe how overjoyed I am to see how my progress has been received by the Filipino people. It warms my heart because I know that it comes from a profound and shared love for our nation,” she added.

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Eala reaffirmed her commitment to representing the Philippines wherever she competes, saying her identity as a Filipina remains central to who she is.

“Like you said, Mr. President, I do my best to represent the best of our country on and off the court because I’m really proud, and it comes from a genuine place of love,” she said.

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

Eala won the 2022 US Open Girls’ Singles Championship, becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.

The tennis champion also won the women‘s singles gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, securing the Philippines’ first title in the event since 1994.

After the Wimbledon tournament, Eala reached a career-high Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles ranking of World No. 28, the highest ever attained by a Filipina.

READ: Alex Eala rises to career best No. 28 in WTA rankings

Joining Eala at the event were her mother, former national swimmer Rosemarie Maniego-Eala; her father, businessman Michael Eala; and her tennis agent, Carter Lin. Several government officials and other individuals attended the reception.

Marcos acknowledged the sacrifices made by Eala’s parents, recalling how difficult it must have been for them to allow their daughter to pursue her dream abroad at a young age.

“I can just imagine the sacrifices that you made. To see your girl off when she was 14 years old… yet you did it because of your belief in Alex. And for that, we are all extremely, extremely grateful,” he said.

According to Marcos, Eala’s accomplishments have given Filipinos around the world a renewed sense of pride, emphasizing that it is not only her victories that have won the admiration of the nation but also the character she displays on and off the court.

“You (Eala) 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 handle that success,” the president tells Eala.

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“You show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. So you remind us why we are a great race,” he said. /cb