Alex Eala's WTA title at DC Open 2026 lauded by House of Representatives

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a resolution honoring Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala for her historic championship at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open.

Eala stunned top-seed Jessica Pegula in the finals of the DC Open, becoming the first Filipino to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) title.

"Alex Eala's historic accomplishment has secured a distinguished place in the annals of Philippine sports and serves as a lasting testament to the ability of Filipinos to compete and excel on the world stage and thus, it is fitting and proper that the House of Representatives recognize and commend her exceptional achievement and honor the distinction she has brought to the country," House Resolution 1286 read.

The resolution, introduced by House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, honored Eala for her athletic achievement.

Here’s the first page of the said resolution. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking 📷House of Representatives pic.twitter.com/zyQKfy5Yo9

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) August 4, 2026

Eala took the championship trophy after defeating top-caliber competition in the DC Open, in order: Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, erstwhile defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second seed and World No. 10 Elina Svitolina, third seed Naomi Osaka, and top-seeded World No. 3 Pegula.

House lawmakers also commended Eala for her rise in the WTA rankings, surging eight spots to land at No. 20 in the world after her conquest in DC.

"At only 21 years of age, Alex Eala has achieved a milestone unprecedented in Philippine tennis, affirming that Filipino athletes possess the talent, resilience, and competitive spirit to excel at the highest levels of international sport, and inspiring a new generation of Filipinos to pursue their aspirations with courage, determination, and unwavering dedication," the House resolution read.

Eala had already earned praise from the House of Representatives after her historic run at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. She is the first Filipino to reach Round 16 of the premier Grand Slam tournament, after she dethroned Iga Swiatek, the World No. 3 player at the time.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Senate have also congratulated Eala for her latest achievement.

Eala will have momentum from her successful DC Open run heading into her campaign this week at the 2026 Canadian Open. — VDV, GMA News