London: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday congratulated Filipino tennis star Alexandra "Alex" Eala for ousting defending champion Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon round of 32 in London. Marcos said Eala is now becoming a 'world-class athlete.' He also encouraged Eala to 'keep going' and make the country proud. According to Philippines News Agency, Eala's victory has positioned her as a beacon of hope and inspiration for younger Filipinos aspiring to excel in sports. Marcos expressed his admiration during a press conference before concluding his four-day official visit to Canada. He emphasized the significance of Eala's achievement, stating, "It was a great result. Congratulations, Alex . The whole nation is cheering you on." Eala's next challenge will be against No. 13 seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the round of 16, scheduled for Monday. As Eala advances in the tournament, the support from her home country continues to grow, with many Filipinos eagerly anticipating her future performances on the w orld stage.