Tennis is becoming very popular in the Philippines after a historic win by 21-year-old Alex Eala. She recently won her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles title in Washington, DC.
Eala beat top-ranked player Jessica Pegula in an exciting match that lasted two days because of rain. She came back from behind to win the trophy. This made her the first tennis player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour title.
After her big win, President Ferdinand Marcos congratulated Eala. He welcomed her at a special reception in Manila. Famous boxing champion Manny Pacquiao also praised her hard work and spirit.
Before this victory, Eala also surprised tennis fans at the Wimbledon tournament in July. There, she beat the defending champion, Iga Swiatek.
Traditionally, people in the Philippines mostly follow basketball, boxing, and billiards. But now, many people are watching tennis and trying to play the sport. Tennis courts and lessons in Manila are fully booked.
Eala started playing tennis as a child on painted basketball courts in Quezon City. At age 13, she won a scholarship to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Now, she hopes her success will help more young people play tennis and build better public courts in the country.