'Yan ang puso ng Pilipino!': Filipino celebrities, personalities celebrate Alex Eala's first WTA title
As newly minted World No. 20 Alex Eala made history by winning her first WTA title, Filipinos back home celebrated with her.
The 21-year-old earned a 4–6, 6–4, 6–0 victory against top-seeded Jessica Pegula at the Mubadala DC Open final on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4 (Philippine time).
All awed by Eala's triumph, her high-profile supporters ranged from the President and record-breaking athletes to journalists and celebrities. Here are some who celebrated her win online.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On his Facebook page, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored Eala's history-making victory.
"Alex Eala does it again," he wrote. "The Philippines now has its first WTA 500 champion."
"Congratulations on yet another historic achievement. You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits," Marcos continued.
"Kasama mo ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang ng panibagong tagumpay na ito. Mabuhay ka, Alex!" he added.
Marcos and the First Lady gave Eala a hero's welcome at Malacañang when the WTA champion visited Manila in July.
First Lady Liza Marcos
Echoing the President, First Lady Liza Marcos got on Facebook to also celebrate Eala.
"History made," she wrote.
"Congratulations, Alex Eala, on your incredible WTA 500 championship! Your grit, passion, and perseverance have inspired an entire nation," Marcos added.
"Thank you for making every Filipino proud. Mabuhay ka!"
EJ Obiena
In Instagram Stories, Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena shared clips of Eala winning her title, captioning one, "Called it!!! Let's go @alex.eala"
Obiena also shared a screenshot of ESPN's post about Eala being the "First Filipino ever to win a WTA singles title". The Olympian wrote, "Gising buong Pilipinas", referring to the final match that took place early morning in Philippine time.
Rep. Leila de Lima
Also celebrating Eala's win was Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima.
On Facebook, de Lima shared a photo of Eala celebrating on the court, and wrote, "Alex Eala did it!"
"Our very own Alex Eala is the 2026 Mubadala DC Open Champion! This marks her first WTA title and the biggest title of her tennis career so far. Sobrang galing!!!" she added.
"Maraming salamat sa panibagong karangalan para sa ating bansa! Congratulations, Alex. Proud na proud ang buong Pilipinas sa 'yo," she wrote.
Manny Pacquiao
Eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao focused on Eala's resilience on the hard court.
"Down in the first round pero bumangon. Yan ang puso ng Pilipino! Congrats @alex.eala, our new champion!" Pacquiao wrote in Instagram Stories.
Karen Davila
Veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila got in on the celebratory spirit, as well, sharing several clips of Eala's match and triumph on her Instagram Stories.
Applauding Eala's history-making efforts, Davila wrote, "Alex Eala's journey is a masterclass in what hard work, resilience, and excellence can achieve!"
Iya Villania
TV host Iya Villania shared a reel of Eala's winning moment on the Washington Open hard court.
"Love this girl!!! You make us so proud @alex.eala," Villania wrote in Instagram Stories.
Alex Gonzaga
On Facebook, actress and vlogger Alex Gonzaga cheered on Eala, as well.
"Congrats Alex Eala!!! Her first WTA title!!! Nakakaproud," Gonzaga wrote, adding several Philippine flag emojis.
The actress also shared how her husband Lipa City Vice Mayor Mikee Morada was a huge Eala fan. "Asawa ko adik kakanood kay Alex nagaalarm pa para manood ng laban niya kaya naging tutok na rin ako hehehe," Gonzaga wrote.
