By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday hailed Alex Eala for becoming the first Filipino to capture a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title, vowing continued government support for Filipino athletes.
“History has been written by Alex Eala as she becomes the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title! Congratulations Alex Eala! Ang iyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong bansa (Your victory is the nation’s victory as well),” Marcos said in a social media post.
The President said the government will “do everything” to enable more Filipino athletes to follow Eala’s footsteps and showcase the skill and heart of the Filipino on the global stage.
“Gagawin natin ang lahat upang mas marami pang atletang Pilipino ang susunod sa yapak na ito at maipakita sa mundo ang galing at puso ng Pilipino (We will do everything so many more Filipino athletes will follow in these footsteps and to show the world the talent and heart of Filipinos),” he said.
Eala, 20, is already the country’s most accomplished tennis player, with multiple junior Grand Slam doubles titles and a strong presence in the international circuit.
She ruled the Guadalajara 125 Open final at the Panamerican Tennis Center hardcourt in Zapopan, Mexico, defeating Hungarian Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, early Sunday morning (PH time). (PNA)
