Her historic run has gained the attention of many personalities.
After delivering an upset to world no. 3 Iga Świątek, the defending champion of the Wimbledon Championships during their third round match on Saturday, July 4, Filipina tennis star has broken new ground.
The 21-year-old continues her rally in the sport as she finally broke her previous career-best in the recently published rankings by the Women’s Tennis Association on Sunday, July 5, where she emerged as the new world number 28.
It is four spots higher than her previous no. 32 placement and comes amid her strong campaign in the current Wimbledon tournament, where she also defeated Renata Zarazua and Maya Joint in the earlier rounds of the competition.
Meanwhile, following her historic win against Świątek, which made her the first Filipina tennis player to enter this stage of the competition and the second week of a Grand Slam event.
In a post on her Instagram account, tennis icon Billie Jean King showered her with praises as she shared photos of their encounter at the ongoing tournament.
“What a treat to spend some time with Alex Eala, fresh off her historic win at Wimbledon today,” she wrote, adding the feat that Alex made as the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16.
The 39-time Grand Slam winner continued, “Such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world… Keep going for it, Alex!”
Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova also left a comment in the post made by the official Wimbledon account and called Alex “a star.”
As for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., he described her in the midst of his recent official visit to Canada last week as a “world-class and terrific” player, as well as an inspiration for young Filipinos.
“Biruin mo, mayroon na tayong player, babae pa, na nanalo sa third round in Wimbledon. It does not get… Tennis does not operate at a higher level than Wimbledon, so she’s really world-class. She’s terrific,” said the President.
He furthered, “Congratulations, Alex. Keep it up. We’ll all be here. The whole Filipino nation is cheering you on. We know that you are fighting for making proud and bringing luster and honor to the Philippines. Keep going, keep going, keep going. We are behind you.”
WATCH PARTY
For her much-anticipated fourth round match on Monday, July 6, Alex, who is the 29th seed, is set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, the 13th seed.
In line with that, a free public watch party has been organized at thr PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“Pagpupugay ito sa inspirational journey ni Alex mula batang atleta hanggang sa pagiging Pinay tennis sensation.” noted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, who rallied support for the Filipina pride.