“At the end of the fight, heart spoke. Alex Eala’s victory is a victory for every Filipino who doesn’t know how to give up,” Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) wrote on his Facebook post today, August 4.
Benitez was reacting to Eala’s win at the Mubadala Citi DC Open Final in Washington, where she made history as the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Tour title by beating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also earlier congratulated Eala on Facebook for her historic achievement.
“You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits,” he said.
Benitez, who watched the finals, told DIGICAST NEGROS, “I’m very proud of her, Alex Eala has proven that Filipinos can excel globally, particularly in tennis… I think Alex can pave the way for many young future generations of tennis players in the Philippines because of her feat.”*
Her father was born in Silay City and studied at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias City, so she has roots in Negros, Benitez said.
Two weeks ago after Eala was welcomed by the President at Malacañang, her parents flew to Negros and visited Victorias Milling Co., which had helped sponsor her, he said.
Her father also visited the Don Bosco alumni.
Although Alex grew up in Manila, she would often visit Negros, Benitez said.
“Alex is very proud to be Filipino, making her a role model for all Filipinos. She is eloquent in how she speaks and has so much pride in the Philippines,” he said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]