Marcos, King, Sharapova hail big Filipina victory

A bevy of prominent names hailed Alex Eala after she pulled off a stunning 7-6, 6-2 victory over defending champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek of Poland in the Round of 32 of the Wimbledon Championships over the weekend.

No less than 12-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King (BJK) watched Eala’s historic win at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London and congratulated her for achieving another milestone.

“What a treat to spend some time with Alex Eala, fresh off her historic win at Wimbledon today. She is the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16,” King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion, said on social media.

“Such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world. Keep going for it, Alex!”

Eala, a Rafael Nadal Academy graduate, also impressed her idol and former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia with her latest feat in the third Grand Slam of the year.

“A star,” the five-time Grand Slam champion said.

The world No. 32 Eala has long been a fan of Sharapova, even before making a name for herself as one of the Philippines’ brightest tennis stars.

“I looked up to so many players, but my super idol is Maria Sharapova — the way she plays, her mentality, and the way she presented herself,” Eala said.

“I was probably five when I first saw her. She was always dressed nicely, she was loved by everyone — and I wasn’t an exception.”

Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. likewise applauded the 21-year-old Eala while on an official visit to Vancouver.

“She really is becoming a true inspiration, especially for younger people, younger Filipinos. She’s just getting started,” Marcos said.