TENNIS CHAMP. Alex Eala with parents, Mike and Rizza, and brother Miko after her US Open girls’ singles triumph on Sept. 11, 2022 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. The tennis ace made history as the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title. (Photo courtesy of Alex Eala Facebook page)
BACOLOD CITY – A lawmaker from Negros Occidental has sought the conferment of the Congressional Medal of Distinction to 17-year-old Filipina Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the 2022 US Open junior girls’ singles champion.
Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, who filed House Resolution 372 to honor Eala on Monday afternoon, said Eala’s success is “a source of pride and inspiration for our nation”.
“Alex’s phenomenal performance and historic victory at the US Open brings great honor and joy to our country, and serves as beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipino athletes and the youth,” Benitez said.
“The Filipino youth should emulate Alex’s determination, diligence, discipline and dedication. With these qualities, nothing is impossible,” he added.
The family of Eala’s father, Mike, has its roots in Benitez’s hometown of Victorias City in Negros Occidental.
On Sept. 11, Eala won the US Open junior trophy after a 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic in the girls’ singles final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Based at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain, she made history as the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.
Eala’s uncle, Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Noli Eala, said “(t)he historic win of Alex is a testament to the Filipino spirit and our strength of character”.
“Alex worked long hours and days and sacrificed being away from home to pursue her dream and achieve this milestone in her career. She has proven that the Filipino can be at par with anyone if given a genuine pathway for success. Truly a proud moment for the country,” he said. (PNA)
