MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated Filipino tennis star Alex Eala for becoming the first Filipino to reach a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 singles final.

Eala, 20, lost a closely contested match to 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint in the 2025 Eastbourne Open final in the United Kingdom.

“Tuloy ang laban, Alex! 🎾 We all watched you make history as the first Filipino to reach a WTA 250 singles final,” the President said in a social media post Saturday night after watching the match.

“That alone is already a victory for our country and for the millions of Filipinos who stand proudly behind you. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭,” he added. “You’ve made us all proud! Keep going, your best is yet to come. 🙌🔥”

Eala earlier reached the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Miami Open in March after defeating three Grand Slam champions at age 19.

She is set to make her debut at the Wimbledon Championships in London next week.

Before the finals match, President Marcos said he was looking forward to watching Eala compete and praised her achievement of breaking into the WTA finals.

“Can’t wait to watch Alex Eala make history in the Philippines’ first-ever WTA Finals. 🇵🇭🎾,” he said. “We’re already so proud, Alex. Just play your game and enjoy every moment. The whole Philippines is behind you. LABAN! 💪🔥”