Filipino senators, athletes commend Alexandra Eala’s historic WTA title

Doha, Qatar: Historic WTA champion Alexandra Eala has received an outpouring of praise from some of the Philippines’ biggest athletes, sports icons, celebrities, and government leaders after becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title, a landmark achievement in the nation’s sporting history.

Two of the country’s biggest sports figures, trailblazing weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, took to social media to congratulate the young tennis champion following her historic victory.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines holds the Championship Trophy after winning the women's singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP 

In an Instagram post, Pacquiao praised Eala’s Filipino fighting spirit, calling her the nation’s “new champion.”

“Down in the first round pero bumangon. Yan ang puso ng Pilipino! Congrats @alex.eala, our new champion,” he said, that roughly translates to ‘Down in the first round but got back up. That is the heart of the Filipino! Congrats @alex.eala, our new champion’.

Meanwhile, 11 Philippine senators have also filed resolutions honoring and congratulating Eala for her historic achievement.

As quoted by local media, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted the widespread support for the young champion, saying: “Ganun po natin kamahal si Alex dahil halos majority na ho ng Senado ay nag-file po ng resolution to congratulate her.” The quote roughly translates to ‘That is how much we love Alex because almost the majority of the Senate have filed a resolution to congratulate her’.

Eala capped her Washington Open campaign with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Jessica Pegula on Monday, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA title.

Fans cheer for Alexandra Eala of the Philippines during the women's singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP

Following the match, Pegula also praised Eala’s breakthrough victory and the strong support from Filipino fans around the world.

“You're an amazing player and just to see how far you've come over the last few couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every single place you go. It's not fun to play against but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere. I think it's amazing,” Pegula said.

“Even to all the Filipino fans that came out and have supported, you guys are so helping grow tennis around the world and I appreciate that.”