Resolution hailing Alex Eala's trailblazing path filed in Senate

A resolution congratulating Filipino professional tennis star Alexandra Eala for being the first Filipino tennis player to break into the Top 100 of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) World Rankings has been filed in the Senate.   

Senator Joel Villanueva, a former athlete, authored Senate Resolution 1330 in light of Eala securing Rank 75 in the WTA rankings after making it all the way to the semifinals of the recently concluded Miami Open.

The 19-year-old Eala, who beat three former Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenka, Madison Keys and Iga Swiqtek without dropping a set to make it to the Miami Open semis, also became the first Filipina to reach a tour-level semifinal in the Open Era.

Eala, who was at Rank 140 entering into the Miami Open, eventually fell short in the semis against World No. 4 Jessica Pegula in three sets.   

“Eala's incredible performance at the 2025 Miami Open made her the first Filipina in the Open Era to defeat Top 5 players twice and Grand Slam champions thrice. She is also the second wild card to beat three or more major winners in a single tour-level event. Eala's milestones at the 2025 Miami Open have etched her name in history,” Villanueva said.  

“Her achievements serve as an inspiration to all young athletes across the country and prove that with hard work and perseverance, Filipinos can compete and triumph on the world stage. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, as it is hereby resolved, to congratulate and commend Alexandra Eala for her exceptional performance at the 2025 Miami Open,” Villanueva added.  

Before she turned professional, Eala also won the 2023 Asian Games bronze medal in mixed doubles tandem with Francis Casey Alcantara, the 2022 US Open girls singles title, as well as the 2021 French Open girls doubles title with Priska Madelyn Nugroho and 2020 Australian Open girls doubles title with Oksana Selekhmeteva. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News