JV Ejercito seeks Senate salute for first-ever Filipino WTA champ Alex Eala
August 04, 2026
Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed Senate Resolution No. 562 congratulating Alexandra "Alex" Eala following her historic victory at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, where she became the first Filipino in history to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour singles title.
The WTA 500 circuit is among the highest levels of women's professional tennis, behind only the Grand Slam tournaments and WTA 1000 events.
“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nakilala ang Pilipinas sa mundo ng tennis dahil sa husay, determinasyon, at sportsmanship ni Alex Eala. She has brought immense honor to our country and made every one of us proud. She is proof that Filipino heart and talent can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world," Ejercito said.
Eala claimed the title after defeating an elite field that included Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second seed Elina Svitolina, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final.
The resolution notes that, at just 21 years old, Eala has already amassed a remarkable list of achievements. On top of the first WTA 500 Tour singles title, she became the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title by capturing the 2022 US Open Girls' Singles Championship.
It also recognizes Eala as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos, especially the youth. It notes that her journey—from a young girl who trained on the tennis court after school to becoming a champion on the world stage—shows that Filipino talent, when matched with discipline and nurturing, can compete with the world's best.
The lawmaker said Eala's breakthrough also highlights the importance of sustained investments in sports development and athlete training.
"The success of Alex Eala shows what Filipino talent can achieve when it is nurtured and supported. Her victory should inspire us to improve our sports development programs and expand opportunities for young Filipino athletes to train, compete, and excel on the world stage," he said. #
