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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Sarap ng pakiramdam': Speaker Dy hails Eala for capturing DC Open crown

'Sarap ng pakiramdam': Speaker Dy hails Eala for capturing DC Open crown

Published Aug 4, 2026 01:01 pm

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III celebrates Alex Eala's historic victory at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, her first WTA Tour singles title, calling it a milestone for Philippine tennis and the nation.
  • Dy emphasizes that Eala's triumph reflects years of perseverance, discipline, and sacrifice, inspiring pride and joy among millions of Filipinos and motivating the youth to pursue their dreams.
  • Eala defeats top players including Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final, securing her maiden WTA crown and rising to a career-high World No. 20 ranking.
Alex Eala, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III (Facebook)
Alex Eala, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III (Facebook)


Like the rest of Filipinos, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is in cloud nine following Alex Eala's 2026 Mubadala DC Open victory, her first ever Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour title, on early Tuesday morning, Aug. 4.
In a social media post, Dy lauded Eala for becoming the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour singles title. He called the achievement a milestone not only for Philippine tennis but for the entire nation.
“Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na makita kang manalo (It feels so good to see you win, Alex),” said the Speaker from Isabela's 6th district.
Dy said the 21-year-old tennis sensation's historic victory was the product of years of hard work and sacrifice that have inspired pride and joy among millions of Filipinos.
"Nakakatuwang isipin na ang pinaghirapan ng isang Pilipina ay nakapagpasaya sa milyun-milyong Pilipino.”
(It is heartening to think that what a Filipina worked hard for brought joy to millions of Filipinos.)
The Speaker said Eala’s success reflects the rewards of perseverance, discipline, and commitment to excellence, noting that her journey continues to inspire young Filipinos to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they face.
“Congratulations on your first WTA title. You make every Filipino proud every time you step on the court. Maraming salamat (Thank you very much),” he said.
Eala completed a remarkable championship run at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, where she defeated reigning Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second seed Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka on the way to the finals.
In the championship, Eala rallied past World No. 3 and top seed Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the final to capture her maiden WTA Tour singles title.
The victory is expected to lift the Eala to a career-high World No. 20 in the WTA rankings.

Related Tags

Alex Eala Faustino \"Bojie\" Dy III WTA Tennis
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