Alex Eala honored in special Malacañang reception after historic Wimbledon run

Fresh off the best Grand Slam run of her career, Alex Eala received a special reception at Malacañang on Monday night in recognition of her historic Wimbledon stint that further cemented her place among the world's top tennis players.

Eala, along with her parents Mike and Rizza, was welcomed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong"Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos before she was greeted by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio at the Ceremonial Hall.

The President then gave a speech honoring Eala, saying the 21-year-old tennis star brought pride to the Philippines with her Wimbledon run, which saw her reach greater heights never before achieved by any Filipino tennis player.

"I think, I suppose it doesn't need repeating, but I'll repeat it anyway. 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 in his speech.

"The entire Filipino nation is behind you. The entire Filipino nation has come to love you because of your sweetness and grace in the face of difficulty, in the face adversity."

Marcos then conferred upon Eala the Presidential Citation in recognition of her historic Round of 16 finish at Wimbledon—the first by a Filipino in the tournament's history.

In her speech, Eala proudly shared her recent achievements with the whole Philippines and vowed to keep reaching more as she moves forward in her young career.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News