President Marcos has congratulated Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala for her historic run at Wimbledon, describing the young athlete as an inspiration to Filipinos, particularly the youth.

Speaking before members of the media at the conclusion of his official visit to Canada, Marcos opened his remarks by asking reporters if they had watched Eala's latest match at the prestigious Grand Slam tournament in London.

"She really is becoming a true inspiration, especially for younger people, younger Filipinos," the President, visibly excited, said on Sunday, July 5 (Manila time).

"Biruin mo, mayroon na tayong player, babae pa, na nanalo sa (Imagine, we have a player — a female at that — who won in the) third round in Wimbledon," he added.

Marcos said competing successfully at Wimbledon, widely regarded as the sport's most prestigious tournament, shows that Eala has already established herself among the world's elite players.

"Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she's really world-class," he said.

"She's terrific," he added.

The President recalled saying years ago that Eala was only beginning her rise in international tennis and expressed satisfaction at seeing her continued progress on the world stage.

"Well, you can see, turns out I was right. She's just getting started," he said.

"Marami pang ibubuga yung bata natin (She still has so much more to offer)," he added.

The President said he managed to watch the final set of Eala's match earlier in the day and described it as a "great result."

The 20-year-old Eala became the first Filipina in history to reach the third round of the singles main draw at Wimbledon, further adding to a breakthrough year that also saw her become the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event at the Miami Open.

Earlier this year, Eala stunned several higher-ranked opponents, including Grand Slam champions, during her impressive run in Miami that propelled her to a career-high world ranking and cemented her status as the Philippines' brightest tennis prospect.

Marcos said the entire country is rallying behind Eala as she continues her campaign at the All England Club.

"Congratulations, Alex. Keep it up. We'll all be here. The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on," the President said.

He thanked Eala for “making us proud and bringing luster and honor to the Philippines."

"Keep going, keep going, keep going. We are behind you," he said.

By winning the third round of the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, she notched her seventh career Top 10 win to become the first Filipina to reach the second week of a Grand Slam.

Eala entered the tournament seeded number 29 — also a first for a Filipina.

She will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, seeded 13, in the Round of 16.