By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis sensation Alex Eala said the recognition she received at the Malacañang Palace gave meaning to the countless hours of work behind her rise in international tennis, saying she felt “very seen” by the tribute.

Speaking during a reception hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Eala thanked the chief executive for honoring her following her breakthrough Wimbledon campaign, where she became the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of the grass-court Grand Slam.

“I feel very seen and hearing that from you, I feel like all the hard work that I’ve done is seen. All the hours that aren’t on TV are seen and validated and appreciated,” she said.

The 21-year-old also admitted she never expected to be welcomed at the country’s highest seat of government.

“I am pretty nervous. Thank you, Mr. President, for this special honor and for the warm welcome. I never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would be having dinner here at the Malacañang Palace next to you, and be receiving such kind and genuine words,” she added.

Eala vowed to continue carrying the Philippine flag with pride as her professional career progresses.

“I’ll do my best to represent the best of our country on and off the court because I’m really proud, and it comes from a genuine place of love,” she said.

“I promise that I will continue to represent the Philippines in the best way that I possibly can,” she added.

Marcos welcomed Eala and her parents, Mike and Rizza, to Malacañang for the special reception, which was also attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

The ceremony recognized Eala’s historic Wimbledon performance, which further elevated her profile on the world stage and added another landmark achievement for Philippine tennis./ASC, WDJ