Nation cheers: We love you, Alex

MANILA, Philippines — There are athletes who win, and there are athletes who gather.

Manny Pacquiao belonged to the second kind. When he climbed into the ring, the country stopped arguing with itself. Crimes dipped.

Alex Eala is now doing the same with a tennis racket.

Even the most divided room in the country found common ground. The Senate, sitting as impeachment court, was an example.

Senator-judges and the opposing panels in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte joined hands to toast Eala shortly before Day 12 of the proceedings.

“Magkakaiba man ang ating pananaw, at bagama’t magkakatunggali bilang panig sa impeachment court, may mga bagay na pinagkakaisahan natin, lalo na sa mga napuyat kapapanood ng TV. Para sa akin isa rito ang tagumpay at kampeonato ng ating magaling at magiting na kababayan na si Alex Eala sa DC Open,” Presiding Judge Chiz Escudero said.

“Kaya’t sa ngalan ng Senado, ng mga senator-judges, mga kawani ng Senado at ang magkatunggaling partido sa impeachment hearing, nais namin ipabatid ang aming samasamang pagbati kay Alex Eala sa kanyang panalo. Tunay na ikinararangal at ipinagbubunyi ka naming lahat,” he added.

It was the same feeling shared by a nation that waited and stayed awake.

As the rains stopped in D.C., Eala chased glory and found it.

Down a set overnight after rain and lightning suspended the Mubadala DC Open final in the US, Eala returned Monday (early yesterday in Manila) to finish her Cinderella story with a bagel, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 over World No. 3 Jessica Pegula. It’s the first WTA singles title ever for a Filipino in the Open Era.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio called it a challenge.

“Alex Eala’s victory once again proves that no boundary can limit the heart of a champion. Her heart, her tenacity, her relentless drive exemplifies the best of us,” Gregorio said. “You strengthen our resolve to build sports systems that ensure your victory will be the victory of generations to come.”

It was never supposed to be easy. Elina Svitolina in the quarters. Naomi Osaka in the semis. Pegula, who had beaten her before, in a final that stretched across two days.

Three top seeds. Three former Top 10s. All beaten.

The third set was the statement. Eight straight games to close it, playing free and fearless, like she no longer needed permission to belong.

When Pegula’s last ball sailed long, Eala dropped to her knees on the blue hardcourt, buried her face in her arms in celebration.

Back home it was past 1 a.m. Cafes in the country still had the stream on. Group chats lit up. The Filipinos were shouting at their TVs.

We love you, Alex!