PBBM extols Alex Eala’s ‘historic, amazing run’ at 2025 Miami Open

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

He said Eala’s unprecedented feat serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially to ordinary Filipinos who have the “same grit and determination.” (File Photo: @alex.eala/Instagram)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday lauded Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala for her impressive performance at the 2025 Miami Open.

“We would like to congratulate our tennis phenomenon, Alex Eala, on her historic and amazing run in the 2025 Miami Open,” Marcos said in a statement.

“We are one with the entire nation in thanking Alex for her sacrifices and hard work in her quest for glory and honor. I’m sure that the elusive championship title is within reach soon.”

The President praised Eala for showing the world the skills and talents of a Filipino athlete.

He said Eala’s unprecedented feat serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially to ordinary Filipinos who have the “same grit and determination.”

“Truly, what you did showed the whole world what a Filipino athlete is all about – determined, steadfast, and never the one to back away from any challenges,” Marcos told Eala.

Eala reached the semifinal round after defeating world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek at the Hard Rock Stadium early Thursday (Philippine time).

Her historic run also included wins over unseeded American Katie Volynets, as well as two other Grand Slam champions – 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States.

Eala, however, fell short against world no. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals of the Miami Open on Friday.

In a separate statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Eala still made the country proud and showed the world a “great fight,” despite her loss to Pegula in their semifinal bout.

“Alex surmounted a string of setbacks in her journey to be among the best in the Miami Open 2025. Through her sheer persistence, Alex proved that anything is possible,” the PCO said.

“We, Filipinos, are like Alex. We are all tenacious in the toughest of environments. We thrive and excel in the harshest conditions all over the world.”