‘Our new champion’: Philippines swept up in tennis fever after Alex Eala’s historic win
Filipino tennis player Alex Eala has achieved a historic WTA Tour-level singles title win, sparking national celebration in the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos publicly congratulated Eala, highlighting her role in inspiring young athletes in the country.
Why it matters
Eala's success marks a milestone for Philippine sports and has significantly boosted the popularity of tennis within the nation.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines after beating Jessica Pegula at the Washington DC Open tennis tournament. Alexandra Eala of the Philippines after beating Jessica Pegula at the Washington DC Open tennis tournament. Philippines ‘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
Prefer the Guardian on Google 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, Eala became the first player from the Philippines to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour-level singles title.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in