Senate adopts reso congratulating Alex Eala for winning US Open girls' singles crown

The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution commending and congratulating Alex Eala for winning the 2022 Girls’ Junior Grand Slam Singles Crown of the US Open Tennis Tournament in New York City.

On Saturday (Sunday Manila time), Eala defeated Czech Republic's Lucie Havlickova in the finals of the tournament, 6-2, 6-4.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva sponsored the resolution.

“After the win of Alex Eala yesterday, we were able to gather the support of all 24 Senators. This shows how the Senate supports our Filipino athletes,” Villanueva said during his sponsorship speech.

“Yesterday, another legend was born… the website freshers.live.com recently released its 2021 report of the top 10 sports in the Philippines, the least of which did not include tennis. Yet Mr. President, a young Filipina athlete in the person of Alex Eala is spiking her way into the way of tennis,” he added.

Prior to her historic win, the 17-year-old Eala defeated Canadian Victoria Mboko in the semis and Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.

The Filipina tennis ace had previously won Grand Slam titles in the junior doubles tournament, winning in 2020 in the Australian Open and in the French Open last year.

Villanueva also commended Eala for delivering her winning speech in Filipino language.

“What could be a proud moment other than knowing that this young blood delivered her speech in Filipino in front of thousands of sports enthusiasts? Reminding us of where she has started and tracing back her roots as a Filipino blooded protegee,” the Senator said.

Moreover, Villanueva said Filipino athletes should be given necessary support and assistance they need.

“Have we ever realized Mr. President how many Alex Ealas would we produce by reaching out to more aspiring young Filipino athletes who lack the means to support themselves?” he said.

“Alex awakens our awareness, and we should keep that awareness alive. Katulad din ng paghampas ni Alex sa kanyang raketa ng buong lakas, atin din ibuhos mahal na Pangulo ang ating buong suporta sa bawat atletang Pilipino na ang tanging hangad ay ipakilala sa buong mundo ang husay at galing ng lahing Pilipino,” he furthered.

("Alex awakens our awareness, and we should keep that awareness alive. Much like how Alex swings her racket with full strength, let us pour our full support to every Filipino athlete whose only goal is to introduce to the world the talent of the Filipino race.")

Filipino Muay Thai athletes

Meanwhile, the Senate also adopted a resolution congratulating the Bagsik Team of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines for winning multiple medals in the International Muaythai Associations World Youth Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

All 8 members of the Philippine delegation’s Team Bagsik earned medals from the tournament, bringing home 8 golds, 6 silver and 1 bronze medals.

“Napatunayan ng ating mga atleta na may lugar ang ating bansa sa naturang sports. Patunay din ito na kapag may sapat na suporta mula sa pamahalaan at taumbayan, ay kayang magtagumpay ang atletang Filipino sa kanilang larangan na kanilang naisin,” Senator Bong Go said during his co-sponsorship speech.

("Our athletes have proven that our country has a place in these sports. This is also proof that if there is adequate support from the government and the people, the Filipino athlete is capable of winning in their chosen field.")

—JMB, GMA News