Marcos hails Eala after historic DC Open title

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on early Tuesday, August 4, congratulated Alex Eala after the Filipina tennis star became the first Filipino to win a WTA 500 singles title.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said Eala's latest victory is another historic achievement for Philippine sports.

"Alex Eala does it again. The Philippines now has its first WTA 500 champion," he wrote.

"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.

The president also said the Filipino people are celebrating Eala's latest milestone with her.

"Kasama mo ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng panibagong tagumpay na ito. Mabuhay ka, Alex!"

(The entire Filipino nation joins you in celebrating this latest achievement. Long live, Alex!)

Eala made history after defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the final of the Mubadala DC Open early Tuesday (Manila time).

The 21-year-old rallied from a set down and returned stronger after a rain delay to claim her first WTA 500 title.

The victory was also a measure of redemption for Eala, who lost to Pegula in the Miami Open semifinals last year.

Before reaching the final, Eala defeated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka.

Her victory in Washington marked the biggest title of her career and is expected to lift her to a new career-high in the WTA rankings.

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