Alex Eala's historic win sparks tennis fever in Philippines

Alex Eala, 21, became the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour-level singles title, defeating top-ranked Jessica Pegula at the Washington DC Open. President Ferdinand Marcos hosted a reception in her honor, and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao called her 'our new champion.' The win has ignited tennis interest in the Philippines, traditionally focused on basketball, billiards, and boxing, with fans packing watch parties and courts becoming harder to book.