The Mubadala DC Open shared photos from Alex Eala's championship photoshoot on Tuesday (Manila time), after the Filipina won a breakthrough WTA Tour crown.
READ: Alex Eala turns back Pegula, makes history with DC Open title
Eala overcame top-seed Jessica Pegula of the United States, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in a rain-delayed final to become the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour championship.
Eala also celebrated her latest achievement on social media, posting a series of photos with the caption: "Me and my first🥹."
The Filipina was playing in only her second ever WTA Tour final, having lost last year to Maya Joint at Eastbourne in three thrilling sets. There was no such letdown against Pegula, however, with Eala putting together a dominant stretch in the decider to stun the world No. 3
Tournament owner Mark Ein was all praises for Eala after her win, noting that she took a tough road to get to her first crown.
"This was not an easy road," Ein said. "This week, first round, you beat an Olympic medalist, you beat our defending champion, you beat two top players. Alex, you deserve this title so much."
"I know earlier this week you were wearing a Nike shirt with a Filipino expression that translated said, 'Once it grows, it can't stop.' And you are growing right here before all of our eyes, and I know you can't be stopped," he added.
"Congratulations on your first title — and for being the first Filipino ever to win."
-- with a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News