Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts at match point after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland on Day 9 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP 

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino athletes and personalities lavished praise upon tennis star Alex Eala after her historic run in the 2025 Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals.

Eala can now see herself in the spotlight as she carried a whole country's hopes and wishes on her back.

She might have lost in the semifinal round against World No. 4 Jessica Pegula, 6(3)-7, 7-5, 3-6, on Friday, but the 19-year-old wonder earned the support of a nation grateful for showing the grit and heart of the Filipino.

READ: Tennis: Dream run ends for Alex Eala with loss to Pegula in Miami Open semis

Eala slayed giants in the Florida tilt as she triumphed over three former Grand Slam winners in ranked 25th Jelena Ostapenko, No. 5 Madison Keys, and World No. 2 Iga Swiatek en route to the semifinal round.

Former senator and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao led the parade of praises, stressing that this is just the beginning of Eala's groundbreaking journey in tennis.

READ: Palace commends Alex Eala on her Cinderella run in Miami: 'Napakalaking tagumpay ng isang Pilipino'

"You may not have made the finals, but you won the hearts of the world, Alex Eala! The whole nation is proud. This is just the beginning. Keep fighting and inspiring. You’ve shown the heart of a true champion. Laban lang! The future is bright for you. Proud na proud kami sa’yo! #PinoyPride," Pacquiao posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Former world #1 tennis player Chris Evert was amazed with the fight Eala has put on in Miami.

"Incredible that Alex Eala still has anything left in her considering the teen has beaten 3 Grand Slam Champs..👍👏" Evert said on X.

"You rock Alex Eala," said Filipino Olympian and pole vault star EJ Obiena on his Instagram Story.

For his part, Neil Etheridge of men's national football squad advised Eala to "take it all in."

"Had a whole nation cheering for you.. on the edge of their seats. You have made everyone so proud 🇵🇭," Etheridge said. "Take it all in, accept and acknowledge all the love you're getting right now... Such a bright ✨ future ahead... Which we all can't wait to see."

WATCH: Alex Eala vs Jessica Pegula Miami Open semifinals match

Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach and TNT mentor Chot Reyes was in awe of Eala's fight on the international stage.

"What a fight! Bravo Alex Eala! To extend the world #4 is just the beginning. 🇵🇭tennis has a new icon," said Reyes on his Instagram Story.

Kapamilya host Bianca Gonzalez took to X her amazement of Eala's incredible journey in the US tiff.

"ALEX EALA YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! Our whole country is so proud!!!!! Seeing you celebrate aaaaah.. yessss this is also YOUR MOMENT!!!!!!!!!! 😭🇵🇭🙌🏽💯" Gonzalez expressed.

Eala, who's been an ambassador of telecommunications company Globe since she was eight years old, showed the heart of the Filipino, said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.

"Alex has once again demonstrated the heart and fighting spirit of the Filipino. Her Miami Open journey is a testament to her relentless drive and unwavering dedication to the sport," Cu said. "We are incredibly proud of her achievements and will continue to support her as she inspires young athletes across the country."

Yesterday, the Palace has already commended Eala through Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. 

"Isa po ito sa napakalaking tagumpay ng isang Pilipino. Ang Malacañang po, ang Palasyo po, ang Pangulo po ay ipinagmamalaki ang katulad po ng ating mga Pilipino na nagbibigay po ng karangalan sa Pilipinas," said Castro.

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