WHEN the President of your country begins his press conference during an official visit by mentioning your name, you must have done something BIG.
That's exactly what President Marcos did on Sunday, beaming with pride as he kicked off his press conference before mediamen who joined him in the trip to Vancouver by asking if they had caught Alex Eala's match at Wimbledon on TV.
READ Alex Eala vows no let-up after emotional win: 'It doesn't mean I'm satisfied'
"Napanood n'yo ba si Alex Eala?" the President said, pumping his firsts as he and the media scrum celebrated the Filipina 29th seed's 7-6 (9), 6-2 third-round win over defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland at Center Court.
"Biruin mo, meron na tayo player, babae pa, na umabot sa third round sa Wimbledon," Marcos, grasping the enormity of the win, told reporters. "Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon. She's really world class. She's terrific.
"She is really becoming a true inspiration for younger Filipinos," the President added.
From all the greetings after the historic win that put her in the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time, one should stand for Alex since it came from someone who she has idolized since she was a kid: Maria Sharapova.
"A star," commented the Russian former world No. 1 and five-time Major winner
READ: No matter what she does, Eala will always be a big Sharapova fan
There's also a greeting from tennis royalty in the form of a Billie Jean King, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history.
"She is the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16. Such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world," wrote King, owner of 36 Grand Slam titles including 12 in women's singles. "Keep going for it, Alex!"
LOOK:
Hollywood royalty in the form of Andrew Garfield, Tom Hiddleston, and Michaela Coel were also in the Royal Box of Center Court in the win over Swiatek, seen below cheering after a big Eala point.
Marcos ended his press conference by reminding the reporters of what he said back when Eala was just starting to make a name on the WTA Tour: that she was just starting out and has a lot left to show.
"Marami pang ibubuga ang bata natin," the President said smiling.
"Congratulations, Alex. Keep it up. The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on. We know that you are fighting to make us proud, [to] bring luster and honor to the Philippines. Keep going. We're all behind you."
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