Fanboy Marcos hails Alex Eala, vows full government support

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday honored Filipino tennis star Alex Eala at Malacañang, calling her a national inspiration who has brought immense pride to the country through her achievements and unwavering Filipino identity.

Welcoming the 21-year-old athlete to the Palace, Marcos said the occasion was more than a ceremonial reception, admitting he was personally thrilled to meet the country’s newest tennis sensation.

“I’m a fan, so I’m gushing, okay? I’m sorry. I’m a real fan of yours,” a grinning Marcos told Eala.

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“And one day, I hope I’ll have the opportunity to watch you, even if it’s not at a Grand Slam — at any tournament. Even just watching you practice would be enough,” he said.

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During the homecoming reception, Marcos presented Eala with a presidential citation “in recognition of her historic achievements as the first Filipino woman to attain unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit, [and] demonstrating exceptional talent, perseverance, and unwavering determination.”

Eala was also cited “for inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue excellence through hard work, discipline, and dedication, and for bringing pride, honor, and joy to the Filipino nation.”

READ: ‘110M-strong support’: Marcos lauds Eala’s impressive rise in tennis

In turn, a giddy Marcos received a pair of caps and tennis balls signed by Eala herself.

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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 admitted to Eala that her homecoming was just his way to have a photo opportunity with her.

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“You know, we don’t actually have a protocol for any of this. We just made it up so we’d have an excuse to take a picture with you,” he told Eala in jest.

Marcos described Eala as a champion who embodies the finest qualities of Filipinos through her composure, humility, and perseverance.

“You have made the Philippines proud. You have reminded Filipinos what a great race Filipinos are because we produce someone like you,” he said..

The president assured Eala that the Filipino people and the government would continue to support her throughout her career.

“We, all 110 million of us Filipinos, we are all behind you, willing you on to greater success,” he told Eala.

“If there’s anything that we can do to help you, just say so. You will have it,” he assured her.

READ: Alex Eala returns home to hero’s welcome after Wimbledon run

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted a reception at Malacañang Palace in honor of Eala following her historic performance at the 2026 Wimbledon championships.

Eala made history as the first-ever Filipino to ever reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam event. During that stellar run, she stunned defending Wimbledon champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek of Poland, 7-6(9), 6-2, in their third-round match.

She fell to Jasmine Paolini in the next round to formally close out her run.

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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. /das