MANILA, July 13 -- Tennis star Alex Eala vowed to continue striving for greater success after Malacanang rolled out the red carpet on Monday to honor her breakthrough Wimbledon run.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred on Eala a Presidential Citation during a homecoming reception at the Palace, honoring her historic run that made her the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam singles tournament.

Eala said the recognition only fueled her desire to achieve more for the country.

"I feel very seen. Hearing that come from you, I feel like all the hard work that I've done is seen. All the hours that aren't on TV are seen and validated and appreciated," she told the crowd in the presidential palace's Ceremonial Hall. ...