MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday hailed Alexandra Eala’s historic rise in world tennis, expressing hope that the Negrense star’s breakthrough will inspire more Filipinos to take up sports and strengthen the country’s future generation of athletes.
In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos cited Eala’s success as proof that sustained government investment in sports can produce world-class competitors while encouraging more Filipinos to live active and healthy lifestyles.
“Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis kundi ng iba pang sport,” Marcos said.
The President said the government’s continued support for sports goes beyond winning international medals, stressing that it also aims to promote physical fitness and inspire greater participation among the youth.
Eala has become one of the Philippines’ brightest sporting icons after making history on the international tennis circuit.
The 20-year-old recently advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipina to reach that stage of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. She also climbed to a career-high ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.
Marcos expressed confidence that Eala’s growing international success would encourage more young Filipinos to discover their potential in sports and help build a stronger pipeline of future national athletes./PN
