MANILA—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially honored tennis sensation Alex Eala on July 13, presenting the 21-year-old trailblazer with a Presidential Citation during a homecoming reception at Malacañang. 

The prestigious award recognizes Eala as the first Filipina to achieve unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit, highlighted by her historic Wimbledon campaign. 

During the ceremony, Marcos lauded Eala as a champion who embodies the finest qualities of the Filipino people and continues to inspire the nation through her grit and humility.

Hosted by the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the special homecoming dinner celebrated Eala’s soaring impact on Philippine sports. 

The event brought together her family, dedicated supporters, government officials, and key members of the local sporting community to toast her achievements. 

The gathering served as a proud tribute to the young athlete's relentless climb up the global tennis ranks, spotlighting her role in placing the Philippines firmly on the international court.

An emotional Eala expressed deep gratitude during the reception, declaring, "Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Pilipino". 

Reflecting on the prestigious recognition, the tennis star shared that the presidential citation validates the grueling, unseen efforts behind her high-profile victories. 

"I feel like all the hard work that I have done, all the hours that aren’t on TV are seen and validated and appreciated," Eala said, cementing her status as an inspiration for the next generation of Filipino athletes.

‍