Alex Eala's WTA triumph recognized in impeachment court

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala on Tuesday was commended in the Senate impeachment court for bagging the 2026 Mubadala DC Open crown.

Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero recognized Eala’s victory, on behalf of senator-judges, as well as the defense and prosecution panels, upon the resumption of the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Magkakaiba man ang ating pananaw at bagaman magkakatunggali ang magkabilang panig dito sa impeachment court, may mga bagay bagay na dapat pinagkakasunduan at pinagkakaisahan natin lalo na doon sa mga napuyat kagabi kakapanood ng TV,” Escudero said.

(While our views may differ and the panels here in the impeachment court may be at odds against each other, there are matters upon which we should find common ground and unity—especially for those who stayed up late last night watching TV.)

“At para sa akin ang isa dito ay ang tagumpay at kampeonato ng ating magaling at magiting na kababayan na si Alex Eala sa DC Open,” he added.

(And for me, one of these is the victory and the championship of our talented and courageous countryman, Alex Eala, at the DC Open.)

The 21-year-old Filipina overcame a rain suspension and a one-set deficit to stun top seed Jessica Pegula in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

With the come-from-behind victory, Eala clinched her first career title and became the first Filipino to capture a WTA Tour singles crown.

Escudero said that all parties in the impeachment court are proud of and celebrate Eala’s historic win.

“Kaya’t sa ngalan ng Senado, ng mga senator-judges, mga kawani ng Senado, sa ngalan ng magkatunggaling mga partido ng impeachment trial, nais po naming ipabatid ang aming nagkakaisang pagbati kay Bb. Alex Eala sa kanyang panalo at kampeonato sa DC Open, tunay na ikinararangal at ipinagbubunyi ka naming lahat. Congratulations sa’yo, Alex,” he said.

(And so, on behalf of the Senate, the senator-judges, the Senate staff, and the opposing parties in the impeachment trial, we wish to convey our collective congratulations to Ms. Alex Eala on her victory and championship at the DC Open. We are all truly proud of and celebrate you. Congratulations, Alex.)

Escudero also quipped, “Kaya kapag may inaantok na Senator-Judge, malamang nanood kagabi.” —AOL, GMA News