Alex Eala flew to the United States, all pumped up and ready to resume her campaign for yet another historic performance in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit.

But unlike her previous trips, Eala will be having a grateful heart after spending a memorable week with the Filipinos, who have been hoping and praying for her success in the professional tour.

In an emotional social media post, the 21-year-old tennis sensation expressed her gratitude to her Filipino supporters who rolled out the red carpet for her during her brief yet memorable visit in Manila last week.

“That’s a wrap in Manila. Maraming salamat sa pagtanggap sa akin mga kababayan! Each and every one of your stories has touched me on a profound level,” said Eala, who drew the love and admiration of the Filipinos for her fierce fighting spirit, grace and humility despite beating some of the best tennis players in the world.

She beat world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in the Round of 32 of the women’s singles event of the Wimbledon Championship. But instead of gloating, the Filipina sensation was gracious, opting to pay homage to where she came from, starting when she was still a “little girl with chubby cheeks, ruffled socks, and light-up shoes.”

“I leave with a refreshed memory of what I carry when I’m out there playing tennis. And wow is it a privilege to be part of something bigger than myself. Never been prouder to represent home.”

Eala received a hero’s welcome during her visit, highlighted by a courtesy call with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who presented her with a Presidential Citation in recognition of her achievements and growing impact.

“You have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handle that success. Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud,” Marcos said.

“Because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. You remind us why we are a great race.”

Eala also spent time with fans during a meet-and-greet organized by BPI and Globe, two of her longtime sponsors, where she signed autographs and posed for photos with supporters eager to celebrate her remarkable rise.

“I genuinely felt everyone’s love and support during each match, so it’s wonderful to be home again and to have this special fan meet, thanks to Globe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire and elevate Filipino talent on the global stage,” said Eala, who retained her standing as No. 28 female tennis player in the world.

“I’m doing my best to make you guys proud and I hope you still watch me in my next matches and in my next journey.”

With her brief homecoming now behind her, Eala turns her attention back to competition.

She will open her hardcourt swing in the Washington Open on 27 July before competing in the Canadian Open in Toronto from 1 to 13 August and the Cincinnati Open from 13 to 23 August, two WTA 1000 events expected to sharpen her game ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam.

The US Open is set for 30 August to 13 September at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, where Eala hopes to surpass last year’s campaign.

She reached the second round of the tournament in 2025 before ending her journey with a loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, who was then ranked No. 42 in the world.

But instead of gloating, the Filipina sensation was gracious, opting to pay homage to where she came from, starting when she was still a “little girl with chubby cheeks, ruffled socks, and light-up shoes.”

“I leave with a refreshed memory of what I carry when I’m out there playing tennis. And wow is it a privilege to be part of something bigger than myself. Never been prouder to represent home.”

Eala received a hero’s welcome during her visit, highlighted by a courtesy call with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who presented her with a Presidential Citation in recognition of her achievements and growing impact.

“You have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handle that success. Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud,” Marcos said.

“Because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. You remind us why we are a great race.”

Eala also spent time with fans during a meet-and-greet organized by BPI and Globe, two of her longtime sponsors, where she signed autographs and posed for photos with supporters eager to celebrate her remarkable rise.

“I genuinely felt everyone’s love and support during each match, so it’s wonderful to be home again and to have this special fan meet, thanks to Globe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire and elevate Filipino talent on the global stage,” said Eala, who retained her standing as No. 28 female tennis player in the world.

“I’m doing my best to make you guys proud and I hope you still watch me in my next matches and in my next journey.”

With her brief homecoming now behind her, Eala turns her attention back to competition.

She will open her hardcourt swing in the Washington Open on 27 July before competing in the Canadian Open in Toronto from 1 to 13 August and the Cincinnati Open from 13 to 23 August, two WTA 1000 events expected to sharpen her game ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam.

The US Open is set for 30 August to 13 September at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, where Eala hopes to surpass last year’s campaign.

She reached the second round of the tournament in 2025 before ending her journey with a loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, who was then ranked No. 42 in the world.