‘Our new champion’: Philippines swept up in tennis fever after Alex Eala’s historic win

WTA event win earns 21-year-old a presidential reception in the Philippines as interest in tennis surges in home country The Philippines has been swept up in tennis fever after 21-year-old rising star Alex Eala delivered a historic win, drawing praise from the president who hosted a reception in her honour. On Monday,

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Resolution No. 564 congratulating and commending Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala for capturing the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first Filipino professional tennis player to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 Tour singles title. The res

There has been excitement around Alexandra Eala for years. On Monday, the 21-year-old Filipina finally gave the tennis world tangible proof that the hype was justified

Alex Eala rallies past top seed Jessica Pegula in a two-day, rain-hit final, while Taylor Fritz beats teen Rafael Jodar.

Eala came from a set down after an overnight rain delay to defeat Pegula, the top seed.