A fake quote card falsely attributed to Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is making the rounds on social media, with some users mistaking it for a legitimate news graphic.
The fabricated image claims Alex said, “I never wore a green outfit to support VP Sara, that’s big no for me,” amid online speculation surrounding the bright green outfit she wore during her women’s singles match against Emma Raducanu at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
However, there is no evidence that Alex made the statement.
The quote card also imitates the design of a news graphic, resembling GMA News’ template while carrying the label “QNA? News,” which led some social media users to believe it was authentic.
On Monday, August 3, “Unang Hirit” host and journalist Lyn Ching-Pascual reposted the image on her Instagram Story to caution the public against spreading misinformation.
“Before reacting, please double check. Obviously it isn’t @gmanews. Please, huwag niyo na isama si Alex Eala sa pamumulitika at panlilinlang. Nawa’y hindi maapektuhan ang mga laro niya sa ingay niyo,” Ching-Pascual wrote.
The fake quote card surfaced after some online users speculated that Alex’s green playing outfit was a show of support for Vice President Sara Duterte, who expressed intent to run in the 2028 elections.
Alex, however, has not made any public statement linking her attire to any political figure or movement, and there is no verified evidence supporting the claim.
In professional tennis, players often wear apparel chosen by sponsors, tournament schedules, or personal preferenc, and green is a common color in sportswear.
The speculation also prompted reactions online, including from lawyer Arnedo Valera, a known supporter of Duterte, who attended Alex’s match wearing green attire and a cap bearing the words “Sara 2028.”
“There is absolutely no contradiction in cheering for my tennis idol Alex Eala while also supporting VP Sara Duterte,” Valera wrote in a Facebook post, stressing that sports and politics should not be conflated.
The misinformation emerged as Alex prepares for one of the biggest matches of her professional career.
The Filipina tennis star is set to face top seed Jessica Pegula for the Mubadala Citi DC Open title on August 4 (Manila time), with the championship match rescheduled due to rain delays.
—With Rosette Adel
