Marcos to Eala: You remind us why we are a great race
The President calls Alex Eala a 'true fighter', a 'true champion'
Published Jul 13, 2026 08:41 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents the Presidential Citation to Alex Eala in recognition of her historic achievements as the first Filipino woman to attain unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit. (MPC Pool)
An elated President Marcos welcomed Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala to Malacañang Palace, praising her as a shining example of a true fighter and champion.
In his speech at the homecoming reception for Eala on Monday night, July 13, Marcos said her composure on the court and her achievements remind the nation why Filipinos are a great people.
"You have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because the grace with which you handle that success." Marcos said.
"Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos," he added.
"So you remind us why we are a great race," the President told Eala.
'A true fighter, a true champion'
In his speech, the Chief Executive also praised the way Eala handles herself in matches, saying her composure is impressive, saying it is a "sign of a true fighter, a true champion."
Marcos cited Eala's remarks during one of her wins at the recently-concluded Wimbledon, where she was quoted saying: Because I'm emotional does not mean I'm satisfied.
"That is impressive. That is the sign of a true fighter, a true champion," Marcos said.
"The way that you can keep your concentration, the way that you can keep your commitment. And that, I think, that is one of the qualities that you have. That is why you have been so successful," he added.
The President also commended Eala for consistently representing the Philippines in every competition.
"We have found in you a new champion, a champion who has made the Philippines proud, who has reminded Filipinos what a great race Filipinos are because we produce someone like you," he said.
"And that the qualities that you show the world are the best qualities of Filipinos. And for that, as President, I guess that's what really strikes me," he added.
The President, who confessed to being a fan, gushed over Eala's attitude during games.
"You never lost your cool. You just kept going. You just kept going. You just kept going. And you just kept going," he said.
"And that's what will make you successful for very, very many years. You've only started. You will keep going," he added.
'The entire nation is behind you'
Marcos thanked Eala for continuously representing the Philippines, assuring her that the entire nation is behind her.
"[W]e're all behind you. That the entire Filipino nation is behind you. The entire Filipino nation has come to love you because of your sweetness and grace," Marcos expressed.
"We are all, 110 million of us, we are all here behind you, willing you on to greater success," he added.
The President also told Eala that she will be given any help she needs.
"If there's anything that we can do to help you, even for – you just say so, you have it," he said.
In his speech, Marcos also recognized Eala's parents, Mike and Rizza Eala, for the sacrifices they made, sending a 13-year-old girl to Mallorca, Spain to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
"[Y]ou did it because of your belief in Alex. And for that, we are all extremely, extremely grateful," he said.
Eala is the first Filipina to compete at a Grand Slam singles as a seeded player. She made history after reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon last week.
She is s currently in Manila for upcoming engagements with brand sponsors, including a scheduled meet-and-greet with fans on Wednesday, July 15, at the Glorietta Activity Center.