MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated Filipino tennis star Alex Eala for winning her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title, calling the victory a triumph for the entire nation.

“History has been written by Alex Eala as she becomes the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title!” Marcos said in a social media post on Sunday.

“Congratulations Alex Eala! Ang iyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong bansa. Gagawin natin ang lahat upang mas marami pang atletang Pilipino ang susunod sa yapak na ito at maipakita sa mundo ang galing at puso ng Pilipino,” he added.

The 20-year-old Eala captured her first WTA crown at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico after rallying from a set down to defeat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in the finals held at the Grandstand Caliente.

Currently ranked World No. 75, Eala has five International Tennis Federation (ITF) singles titles and the 2022 US Open girls’ trophy. Her WTA ranking is expected to rise following her victory.