MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala provided the country a "dose of inspiration and unity" on the eve of the start of the potentially divisive impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.
Lacson on Sunday thanked Eala for lifting the Filipino spirit after she made history as the first Filipino player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles tournament, highlighted by her dethroning of Iga Swiatek.
"She is the detoxifier that our country’s highly toxic atmosphere needs and an influential unifier of a deeply divided nation. Thank you Alex Eala for lifting the Filipino spirit. God bless you and the Philippines," Lacson wrote on X.
Eala advanced after ending Swiatek's title defense Saturday amid cheers from Filipino supporters.
She will next face 13th-seeded Jasmine Paolini for a place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Lacson earlier lauded Eala for her breakthrough Wimbledon win in the opening round, and for her rally that helped her beat Maya Joint, saying her "indomitable fighting spirit" made every Filipino proud.
