Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts after winning the women's singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA (UPDATED) — The Senate congratulated Tuesday Filipino tennis star Alex Eala after she captured the 2026 Mubadala DC Open title earlier in the day.
Eala defeated World No. 3 Jessica Pegula to claim the crown in the Mubadala DC Open.
Sen. Francis Escudero gave the greeting on behalf of the legislative body before the start of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, where he acts as the presiding officer.
"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.
"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, drawing applause and cheers.
"Sa ngalan ng Senado, ng mga senator-judges, mga kawani ng Senado, sa ngalan ng magkatunggaling partido ng impeachment trial, nais naming ipabatid ang aming nagkakaisang pagbati kay Bb. Alex Eala sa kaniyang panalo at kampeonato sa DC Open. Tunay na ikinararangal at ipinagbubunyi ka naming lahat," Escudero said.
Escudero said in jest that if any senator-judge were sleepy during the trial, they likely watched Eala's game.
Other senators also expressed their congratulations, with Senate Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito filing Senate Resolution No. 562 to honor Eala.
"She has brought immense honor to our country and made every one of us proud. She is proof that Filipino heart and talent can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world," Ejercito said of the young Filipina.
Senator Bam Aquino filed a similar resolution, highlighting the route that Eala took to her first WTA Tour crown.
Before beating Pegula in the final, Eala ousted reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China, defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada, world No. 10 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan.
"Throughout her championship run, Alex Eala defeated an Olympic gold medalist, a Grand Slam champion, and several of the world's highest-ranked players, underscoring the extraordinary level of competition she overcame to capture the title," said Aquino.
Meanwhile, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said Eala's latest win will be an inspiration for the Filipino youth.
The senators also stressed that Eala's achievement shows the need for greater investment in sports.
"Sinasalamin ng pagkapanalong ito ang pangangailangan ng gobyernong tutukan ang sports sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas sa grassroots level ng suporta, pagbuo ng modernong pasilidad, at suporta sa mga atletang Pilipino katulad ni Alex," said Pangilinan.
"The success of Alex Eala shows what Filipino talent can achieve when it is nurtured and supported. Her victory should inspire us to improve our sports development programs and expand opportunities for young Filipino athletes to train, compete, and excel on the world stage," said Ejercito.
READ: Alex Eala turns back Pegula, makes history with DC Open title
Also extending his congratulations was House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III.
"Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na makita kang manalo, Alex. Years of sweat and sacrifice resulted in history–the first Filipina to win a WTA title," Dy said in a social media post.
"Nakakatuwang isipin na ang pinaghirapan ng isang Pilipina ay nakapagpasaya sa milyun-milyong Pilipino. Congratulations on your first WTA title. You make every Filipino proud every time you step on the court. Maraming salamat," he added.
During Tuesday's plenary session, the lower chamber adopted House Resolution 1286 commending and congratulating Eala "for her historic victory at the 2026 Women's Tennis Association Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first Filipino to win a WTA tour-level singles title," in consolidation with other similar resolutions.
Meanwhile, at the Senate, the impeachment court continued hearing the complaint against Duterte, including allegations that she misused confidential funds.
-- with reports from Agatha Gregorio and Vivienne Gulla, ABS-CBN News
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