By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
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’t at sa Maykapal,” 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!” 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,” 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, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) presented its agenda and plans for upcoming international sports events and the much-awaited FIBA World Cup hosting of the Philippines next year.
Noli Eala, the PSC Chair, is the young player’s uncle. – gb
