MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Alex Eala on Tuesday after the Filipino tennis star became the first Philippine player to win a WTA 500 singles title.
Eala captured her first WTA Tour singles championship after defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the Mubadala DC Open final in Washington, D.C., on Monday, or early Tuesday in Manila.
Marcos hailed Eala’s victory as another milestone for Philippine tennis in a social media post.
“Alex Eala does it again. The Philippines now has its first WTA 500 champion,” Marcos wrote.
The 21-year-old Eala rallied after dropping the opening set to Pegula, then won the final two sets to secure the championship.
Marcos said Eala’s achievement continues to redefine what Filipino tennis players can accomplish and could inspire young Filipinos to pursue their goals.
“The entire Filipino nation joins you in celebrating this latest achievement. Mabuhay ka, Alex!” Marcos said.
The title marks Eala’s first WTA Tour singles championship and makes her the first Filipino player to win a WTA 500 singles event.
