On this Monday, July 13, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr honors the 21-yr-old as someone who inspires the nation by her achievements and humility, a champion who embodies the best qualities of the Filipino people.
Marcos presented Eala with a Presidential Citation during the homecoming reception as recognition to her as the first Filipina to achieve unmatched success on the international professional tennis circuit and for becoming an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes while bringing pride and honor to the country.
Marcos said, “You have brought so much pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handled that success,”.
“Because the way you play and the way you comport yourself makes us proud. Because you show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. So you remind us why we are a great race.”
In Eala’s Wimbledon campaign, she made history by becoming the first Filipino to make it to the Round 16 in a Grand Slam singles tournament. The highlight of this was claiming victory over defending Wimbledon champion and then-world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in the third round before bowing to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in three sets in the fourth round. This earned Eala a high rank of No. 28 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association rankings.
Marcos said that Filipinos around the world supported her during her matches. For the Filipinos, her breakthrough in Wimbledon went beyond sports.
“We are all behind you. The entire Filipino nation has come to love you because of your sweetness and grace,” he said.
He also praised Eala’s mindset of how she focused for what’s next after her victories.
“That is a sign of a true fighter, a true champion… You allow yourself to be happy for three minutes and then you start thinking about your next match,” he said.
Eala thanked Marcos for the recognition that can be often unseen despite years of hard work and vows to continue carrying the Philippine flag proudly for every tournament she competes in.
“Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang pagiging Pilipino (I take great pride in being Filipino). I carry the flag with me wherever I go,” she said.
“I promise that I will continue to represent the Philippines in the best way that I possibly can”/Hannah Amparo
