“Tuloy ang laban, Alex!” (Let the fight continue, Alex!)

This was President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message of encouragement to 20-year-old tennis sensation Alex Eala after she made history as the first Filipino to reach a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 singles final.

Despite falling short to Australia’s Maya Joint during the finals of the Eastbourne Open on Saturday at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club in the United Kingdom, Marcos said the entire nation is proud of Eala’s breakthrough.

“Tuloy ang laban, Alex! We all watched you make history as the first Filipino to reach a WTA 250 singles final,” the President posted on social media Saturday night after watching the championship match.

“That alone is already a victory for our country and for the millions of Filipinos who stand proudly behind you. You’ve made us all proud! Keep going, your best is yet to come,” he added.

Eala has continued her standout performance this season after reaching the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Miami Open in March, where she defeated three Grand Slam champions at just 19 years old.

She is set to make her debut next week in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships in London.

President Marcos earlier expressed his excitement ahead of the Eastbourne final, saying the nation was already proud of her feat.

“Can’t wait to watch Alex Eala make history in the Philippines’ first-ever WTA finals,” Marcos said before the match.

“We’re already so proud, Alex. Just play your game and enjoy every moment. The whole Philippines is behind you. LABAN!” he added.