Alex Eala earns praise from Marcos after DC Open triumph

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala for bagging the 2026 Mubadala DC Open crown early Tuesday (Philippine time), calling the win a "historic achievement."

"This Philippines now has it first WTA 500 champion," Marcos said in a Facebook post.

"Congratulations on yet another historic achievement. You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits," he said.

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.

In July, Eala received a special reception at Malacañang in recognition of her historic Wimbledon stint that further cemented her place among the world's top tennis players.

Honoring Eala, Marcos said the tennis star brought pride to the Philippines with her Wimbledon run, which saw her reach greater heights never before achieved by any Filipino tennis player.

"I think, I suppose it doesn't need repeating, but I'll repeat it anyway. You have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because the grace with which you handle that success," Marcos said in his speech.

"The entire Filipino nation is behind you. The entire Filipino nation has come to love you because of your sweetness and grace in the face of difficulty, in the face adversity," he added.

The Mubadala DC Open title is the latest milestone in Eala's growing resume.

Prior to her breakthrough WTA 500 triumph, she had captured the WTA 125 titles at the Guadalajara Open and the Birmingham Open.—LDF, GMA News