President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday congratulated Filipina tennis star Alex Eala after she captured the WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open, describing the victory as another historic milestone for Philippine sports.
In a social media post, Marcos said Eala’s latest triumph is a source of national pride and inspiration to young Filipinos aspiring to achieve greatness.
“Alex Eala does it again. The Philippines now has its first WTA 500 champion,” Marcos said, adding that the entire nation celebrates the 20-year-old’s historic achievement.
“Congratulations on yet another historic achievement. You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits,” he added.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also lauded Eala’s championship run, saying the young athlete has once again given Filipinos a reason to celebrate.
“History made. Congratulations, Alex Eala, on your incredible WTA 500 championship! Your grit, passion and perseverance have inspired an entire nation,” the First Lady said in a separate social media post.
Eala claimed the biggest title of her career after rallying past world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the Mubadala DC Open final early Tuesday (PHL time) at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington.
The victory made Eala the first Filipino to win a WTA 500 singles title, adding another landmark achievement to her rapidly rising career and marking a breakthrough moment for Philippine tennis.