Senator Ping Lacson hailed Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala as the country’s “newest and youngest national hero,” after she fought through a right-foot injury to beat Caty McNally at the Canadian Open.
“Make way for our newest and youngest national hero – Alex Eala!” Lacson posted on his X account, after Eala overcame her injury to extend her winning streak.
Eala hurt her right foot during her match with McNally in the Round of 32 in Toronto, but showed the same never-say-die spirit that marked her historic run in recent weeks.
With her gritty victory, Eala advances to the Round of 16 of the Canadian Open.
Eala became the first Filipino tennis player to win a WTA Tour singles title.
Lacson earlier thanked Eala for bringing honor and pride to the Philippines after she captured the Mubadala DC Open women’s singles title with a victory over Jessica Pegula in the rain-delayed final. Eala became the first Filipino tennis player to win a WTA Tour singles title.
The veteran legislator said he was among many Filipinos who stayed up late following updates on the match.
“Thank you, Alex Eala for bringing honor and pride to our country, kahit pinuyat mo kaming mga Pinoy dito sa Pilipinas.”
“Thank you, Alex Eala for bringing honor and pride to our country, kahit pinuyat mo kaming mga Pinoy dito sa Pilipinas kagabi. Nakalimutan ko, may impeachment trial pala kami this morning,” the seasoned lawmaker said in a post on X, the second part in jest.
