Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates after winning a women's singles match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day six of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn, Getty Images/AFP
MANILA — The Senate has adopted Senate Resolution 554 congratulating tennis champion Alex Eala for winning the Mubadala DC Open.
In his sponsorship speech, Sen. Joel Villanueva said Eala has turned into reality the dream of having a Filipino stand among the world’s best in professional tennis.
“Alex did not simply reach championship point. She reached a milestone that many believed was beyond the reach of any Filipino tennis player,” Villanueva said.
“What makes this championship truly extraordinary is the road that led to that final point. Alex defeated reigning Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina, four-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, before defeating World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match. Four Top 10 players. Five world-class opponents. One historic championship,” Villanueva added.
READ: Congratulations pour in for Alex Eala after DC Open triumph
Sen. Bong Go, chair of the Committee on Sports, said he hopes the Philippines will bring home its first tennis gold medal in the Asian Games if Eala joins.
“Sa panahon ngayon na ang daming kaguluhan sa mundo at watak-watak ang bansa dahil sa magulong politika, at least for a few hours, during the last few nights, nagkaisa po ang mga Pilipino,” Go said.
According to Sen. JV Ejercito, "Ipinakita ni Alex kung sino tayo bilang mga Pilipino. Ang kanyang tagumpay sa entablado ng mundo ay nagpapaalala sa atin, sa huli, iisa lang ang ating koponan: Walang kulay. Walang paksyon. Walang kampo. Iisa ang ating bandila, iisa ang ating bayan.”
Sen. Robin Padilla said he hopes that Eala's win will lead to a change in how athletes are developed in the Philippines.
READ: How much did Alex Eala earn after winning the DC Open final?
“Pag-aralan kung papano natin mababago ang sistema upang ang mga nasa barangay ay umabot sa pambansa,” Padilla said.
“Ito po ay maituturing na tunay na pagbati kay Alex kung mababago natin ang sistema na wala nang magulang na kailangan pang magbenta ng lupa, umutang o magmakaawa upang makapag-ensayo ang anak,” he added.
Sen. Pia Cayetano highlighted how Eala has given inspiration to many, particularly young girls.
READ: Filipino personalities celebrate Alex Eala's historic Mubadala DC Open victory
“Alex proved that Filipino athletes belong on the global stage not just as underdogs but as champions. Her achievement is especially meaningful to young Filipinos, particularly young girls, who now have a powerful reminder that excellence knows no boundaries,” Cayetano said.
Sens. Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, and Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also commended Eala.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, sponsored Senate Resolution 568 also congratulating and commending Alex Eala for winning the 2026 Mubadala DC Open.
The Senate adopted the resolutions.
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