Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said he is proud and offered advice to tennis player Alex Eala during the Wimbledon Championships this week [1].
The connection between the two athletes represents a rare intersection of Filipino sporting icons. As Eala pursues a historic run at the tournament in London, the support from Pacquiao, a former senator and global sporting figure, underscores the national significance of her performance [2, 3].
Eala, 21 [4], has become the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open era [5]. Despite being ranked outside the world's top 30 players [6], she has captured the attention of the Philippines and the international tennis community. The breakthrough has shifted the national mood, with some observers noting that quiet evenings in the Philippines have turned into celebrations because of her success [7].
Pacquiao has been vocal about his admiration for the young athlete's progress. "I'm so proud of Alex," Pacquiao said [1].
Eala has reciprocated the sentiment and expressed a desire to have the boxing legend present for her matches. "I want to see Manny Pacquiao courtside," Eala said [2].
The interaction comes as Eala continues her campaign in London. The tournament's Day 6 recap on July 4 detailed her progress through the bracket as she continues to challenge higher-seeded opponents [8]. The pairing of the two athletes highlights a transition in Filipino sports stardom, moving from the dominance of boxing to a new era of international tennis success [3].
“"I'm so proud of Alex."”
Alex Eala's performance at Wimbledon 2026 marks a pivotal shift in the Philippine sporting landscape. By becoming the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open era, Eala is diversifying the country's athletic identity beyond boxing. The public endorsement from Manny Pacquiao serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, legitimizing Eala as a national icon and potentially increasing the visibility and funding of tennis within the Philippines.
