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Alex Eala Wins DC Open, First Filipino WTA Champion

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Alex Eala won the Washington DC Open on August 3, 2026, becoming the first Filipino WTA singles champion.
The win lifted her ranking from No. 28 to No. 20 with 2,106 points.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Rep. Toby Tiangco and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored Eala, praising her on Facebook.
Hidilyn Diaz, Manny Pacquiao and fans sparked a surge in tennis courts, classes and camps nationwide.

History

Historical Context

Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold on 26 July 2021 (Tokyo 2020), lifting 127 kg and posting a 224 kg total record. Her triumph ended a 20-year medal drought since her 2016 silver and triggered a law-mandated PHP10 million incentive, spurring greater government backing for grassroots sport and inspiring new investment in disciplines such as tennis.

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Story summary

Alex Eala won the Washington DC Open on August 3, 2026, becoming the first Filipino WTA singles champion.
The win lifted her ranking from No. 28 to No. 20 with 2,106 points.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Rep. Toby Tiangco and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored Eala, praising her on Facebook.
Hidilyn Diaz, Manny Pacquiao and fans sparked a surge in tennis courts, classes and camps nationwide.

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