Alexandra Eala (Courtesy of Alex Eala Facebook)
MANILA – A resolution congratulating and commending US Open junior girls’ singles champion Alexandra “Alex” Eala, sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva, will be adopted in Monday's regular session.
Senators Nancy Binay and Pia Cayetano said the 17-year-old Eala made Filipinos proud for winning in New York and bringing home the Philippines' first tennis singles Grand Slam title.
"Isa kang inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino at patunay na anumang pangarap ay kaya nating abutin basta't mayroon tayong pagsisikap, tiyaga, at pananampalataya sa sarili at sa Maykapal (You are an inspiration for every Filipino and a proof that whatever dream we have can be achieved as long as there is effort, perseverance, and faith in self and in God)," Binay said in a statement.
Cayetano said Eala is living proof that with the right training and exposure, Filipino athletes can excel on the world stage.
"Salamat at mabuhay ka, Alex Eala, sa pagiging isang maningning na inspirasyon sa mga kabataan at sa ating bayan sa iyong panalo sa (Thank you and long live, Alex Eala, for being a bright inspiration to the youth and to our country in your win in the) US Open. Hanggang sa mga susunod mo pang tagumpay (Until your next success)!" Cayetano said in another statement.
Cayetano was a national volleyball player and still competes in triathlon.
The 10th-seeded Eala did not drop a set on her way to upsetting No. 2 seed Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-4, early Sunday morning (PH time).
It was her third Grand Slam championship following doubles victories in the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 French Open.
“Buong puso ko itong ipinaglaban hindi lang para sa sarili ko kundi para makatulong din ako sa kinabukasan ng Philippine tennis. So hindi lang ‘to panalo ko. Panalo natin lahat (I poured it all out not just for myself but also because I want to help improve the future of Philippines tennis. This is not just my victory. This is our victory),” she said during her victory speech on Court No. 11 of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, opting to address the crowd in Filipino.
Also on Monday, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Noli Eala presented their agenda, plans, and budget for next year while the Senate pledged support for the country's hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“I'm seeking to ensure sustainability and the success of our programs for the long term. It is our mission to carry out the mandates given to us by law to develop and promote sports in the grassroots as a tool towards nation-building and unity, and to ensure full and enhanced support for our (elite) athletes in their continued quest to bring honor and glory to our country,” said Eala, who is the uncle of the US Open champion. (PNA)
