'Uncle Noli' says Alex Eala's US Open 'a testament to the Filipino spirit'

PSC chairman Noli Eala applauded his niece for winning the US Open. US Open

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--No one could be happier for Alex Eala's historic US Open girls singles championship than her family, especially her uncle, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala.

"Tito Noli" was among those who stayed awake past midnight on Sunday (Philippine Time) to watch and eventually witness Alex's historic moment in Flushing Meadows, New York as she became the first Filipino ever to rule a singles grand slam tournament, in which she beat Czech Republic's Lucie Havlickova, 6-2, 6-4, in the final.

The sports chronicler that he is, the elder Eala even live-tweeted the match.

"The historic win of Alex is a testament to the Filipino spirit and our strength of character," Eala said in a statement.

The 17-year-old tennis wunderkind is a product of Rafael Nadal's academy, and she has to spend basically her teenage days in Mallorca, Spain for training, sacrificing her time with her family.

"Chairman Noli" lauded Alex now that her sacrifices have finally borne fruit.

"Alex worked long hours and days and sacrificed being away from home to pursue her dream and achieve this milestone in her career. She has proven that the Filipino can be at par with anyone if given a genuine pathway for success. Truly a proud moment for the country," the PSC chairman further said.

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