Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver hailed tennis star Alex Eala's breakthrough run at the Dubai Tennis Championships, calling her victories a source of pride not just for Filipinos in the UAE but for the entire nation. "We are immensely proud of Alex Eala and her incredible string of victories here in the UAE. Her grit, humility, and passion have captured the heart and admiration of every Filipino," Ambassador Ver said in a statement sent to the media on Feb. 19, following Eala's latest win. Eala advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Sorana Cirstea 7-5, 6-4 in the Round of 16 on Feb. 18, extending her strong campaign in Dubai. With this victory, she became the first Filipino to reach the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships since the tournament began in 2001. "I thought, 'How many of them are probably praying for me to win?' So I really had to give everything I got," Eala said. Echoing her remark, the ambassador responded: "Our answer, all of us, Alex — we pray for your continued success, together with our prayers for the success of every Filipino in the UAE and anywhere in the world." "Mabuhay ka, Alex." "At every victory of Alex, and other fellow Filipinos in any field, it is proven that in the unity of Filipinos, nothing is impossible." "And may every Filipino who brings honor to our country, wherever in the world, live long," he added. Beyond the match results, Ambassador Ver emphasized the collective pride felt by the Filipino community in the UAE, where thousands turned out in support. "Maraming salamat din sa ating mga kababayan dito sa UAE sa inyong walang-humpay na suporta, sigaw, at pagmamahal," the ambassador said. The win also marks her second WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance, following her semifinal run at the Miami Open last season. She will now face World No. 4 Coco Gauff of the United States in the last eight. Cheering for Alex The Philippine envoy said Eala's performance resonated deeply with overseas Filipinos who filled the stands during her matches, waving flags and cheering loudly at every point. "These wins are not just for her, but for the entire Filipino nation," Ver said. Earlier, after her straight-sets victory over world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, 6-1, 7-6(5), Eala reflected on the strong Filipino presence inside the stadium. "At the change of ends, I was thinking, this stadium is full of Filipinos," she said. "In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check," she added.
