:What Alex Eala said to Filipinos 2025 Madrid Open After her hard-fought loss to Iga Świątek

:What Alex Eala said to Filipinos 2025 Madrid Open After her hard-fought loss to Iga Świątek

After her hard-fought loss to Iga Świątek in the 2025 Madrid Open, Alex Eala took a moment to reflect on her performance and express her gratitude to the Filipino people. Despite not securing a victory, her words were filled with appreciation and a sense of resilience. In a heartfelt message posted on her social media, she simply said, “Salamat,” which translates to “Thank you.”

The loss to Świątek, who is considered one of the top players in the world, was undoubtedly a tough moment for Eala. However, her response after the match showed maturity beyond her years. Rather than focusing on disappointment, she chose to highlight the positive aspects of the experience and acknowledge the unwavering support she had received from her fellow Filipinos.

“Salamat sa lahat ng mga kababayan na dumalaw para mag-suporta sa akin,” Eala wrote, which translates to, “Thank you to all my fellow countrymen who came to support me.” Her gratitude was directed at the Filipino fans who filled the stands or tuned in to watch her compete on the global stage. Throughout her career, Eala has been very vocal about the importance of her Filipino supporters, and in this moment, she made sure to express how much their encouragement meant to her.

It’s not the first time Eala has spoken about the impact of Filipino support. In previous interviews, she has shared how overwhelmed she is by the attention she receives from home, especially considering the country’s sports culture. Tennis, as a sport, has not traditionally been a dominant force in the Philippines, where basketball and volleyball take center stage. Yet, Eala’s rise in the tennis world has sparked interest and excitement among Filipinos, with fans rallying behind her as she represents the nation on the world’s biggest stages.

Her loss to Świątek was seen as a valuable learning experience for the young athlete. Eala had given a strong performance, showcasing the progress she has made over the years. Despite Świątek’s experience and higher ranking, Eala fought hard, displaying her mental fortitude and tactical skills. Her ability to compete at such a high level against one of the world’s best is a testament to her dedication and the hard work she has put into her training.

Eala’s ability to remain grounded in the face of defeat is inspiring, and her message of gratitude was a reminder that, for her, the love and support of the Filipino people matter more than any loss. Tennis is an individual sport, and while it can often be lonely and filled with pressure, the sense of community that Eala has found through her fans brings her strength and motivation.

This resilience and grace in the face of adversity is part of what makes Eala so admired by her fans. She has become not just a symbol of talent, but also of perseverance and humility. For young Filipinos, especially those who dream of following in her footsteps, Eala’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely about winning but about growth, learning from experiences, and always showing gratitude to those who support you.

As Alex Eala continues to chase her dreams on the professional tennis circuit, her message of thanks, “Salamat,” resonated deeply with her fans. It was a reflection of her heart, her character, and her unwavering commitment to represent the Philippines with pride—no matter the outcome of any match. Through her hard work and humble nature, she has become a role model for Filipinos and aspiring athletes around the world.