Alex Eala hailed by Manny Pacquiao as 'Our New Champion'

From one Philippine sports icon to another rising star, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao lauded Alex Eala after the Filipina tennis ace captured her first WTA singles title.

Pacquiao was among those who stayed up late on Monday (Philippine time) to watch Eala defeat Jessica Pegula in the final of the DC Open.

The eight-division world champion later took to social media to congratulate the 20-year-old.

"Down in the first round (set) pero bumangon. 'Yan ang puso ng Pilipino! Congrats Alex Eala, our new champion!"

Down in the first round pero bumangon. Yan ang puso ng Pilipino! Congrats Alex Eala, our new champion! 🇵🇭🏆🎾

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 3, 2026

Eala has often been compared to Pacquiao because of her rise in her sport, but the Filipina said she is far from it.

"Oh my God, hindi naman ganoon. Iba naman si Manny Pacquiao, I think. Nasa ibang level na siya," Eala said in January.

"Naaalala ko 'pag may laban si Manny, talagang parang bakasyon 'yung mga tao, hindi pumapasok. Then 'yung buong pamilya, nasa bahay, may lechon, may popcorn."

"So sa tingin ko, medyo malayo pa ako," she added with a laugh.

Fresh off her breakthrough title, Eala returns to action on Wednesday (Thursday, Philippine time) at the Canadian Open.

—JKC, GMA News