
Sports and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Spanish tennis player Rafael “Rafa” Nadal congratulate Pinay tennis player and recent WTA 500 Champion Alex Eala for her historic win against world number 3 and US player Jessica Pegula.
During the delayed finals match on August 3, Eala clinched the win with a score of 4-6, 6-4, and 6-0.
Fellow Pinoy champ Manny congratulated Alex for her win on his social media pages, emphasizing her resiliency, a trait Filipinos are well-known for.
“Down in the first round pero bumangon. Yan ang puso ng Pilipino!” Manny said in his post.
He added, “Congrats Alex Eala, our new champion!”
Meanwhile, Rafa took to X (former Twitter) to congratulate Alex on her win.
“Congratulations, @AlexEala05! What an incredible week in Washington!” Rafa posted.
He added, “A well-deserved [win] for all the hard work. Congratulations to [the Philippines] and to the entire @rnadalacademy team!”
Congratulations, @AlexEala05!
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 3, 2026
What an incredible week in Washington! A well-deserved 🏆 for all the hard work. 👏🏻
Congratulations to 🇵🇭 and to the entire @rnadalacademy team! pic.twitter.com/Ddp8eAN00y
The Spanish legend would occasionally coach and mentor Alex when she was still at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, before graduating.
Alex won't be able to rest though, as she is set to compete at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada, from August 1 to 13. Seeded No. 25 after a bae in the first round, Alex will be facing American Alycia Parks in round 64 on either Wednesday or Thursday.
CHECK OUT ALEX'S MESSAGE TO HER YOUNGER SELF IN THIS GALLERY: