Filipino athletes from EJ Obiena to Manny Pacquiao to Neil Etheridge shared their support for Alex Eala's Cinderella run at the Miami Open.
The breakthrough begins for the 19-year-old Alex Eala.
The sports community, both in the Philippines and abroad, lauded the Filipina tennister and her stunning run in the Miami Open.
This is the first time Eala has reached a WTA 1000 semifinal, taking down three former Grand Slam champions without dropping a set, before bowing to world no. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala ends Cinderella run at Miami Open against world no. 4 Jessica Pegula in semis]
Athletes and sports personalities chimed in.
"Nothing to be ashamed of. Alex did not win the tournament nor make the finals. But she won the respect and the hearts not only of the great tennis players but of the world. Keep moving forward. Vamos Alex! Mabuhay 🇵🇭," posted Alex's uncle, former Philippine Sports Commission head Noli Eala.
"What a fight! Bravo, Alex Eala! To extend the world no. 4 is just the beginning. Tennis has a new icon," posted TNT Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes on the day of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 7 against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
"What a run!" added TNT's Kib Montalbo, sharing a photo with Alex Eala.
"Thank you, Alex Eala! This is just the beginning," added Criss Cross King Crunchers' Ish Polvorosa, who is also finals-bound in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference.
"Damn, she tuff," chimed former Batang Gilas player Dalph Panopio.
"You rock, Alex Eala," shared Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
The Filipina tennis star also got a nod from eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
"You may have not 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," he wrote on Instagram.
One of the more active posters during the match was former Philippine men's national football team goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
"Had a whole nation cheering for you, on the edge of their seats. You have made everyone so proud," he 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."
Even international tennis journalists couldn't help but salute Eala, who withstood a tweaked ankle to force Pegula to three sets.
"Incredible player and personality. She enjoyed every moment," tweeted Jose Morgado, tennis journalist and commentator for Sport TV Portugal.
Even Christopher Clarey, the veteran tennis journalist for the New York Times, tipped his hat to Eala.
"Pushed Pegula so hard," he wrote.
So it doesn't feel like Eala lost at all, if this cheer and the huge smile at the Miami Open is any indication.