Madis, Papa reign supreme

MANILA, Philippines — Every Filipino tennis player now either wants to be Alex Eala or thankful to her for uplifting the sport in the country.

Count Tennielle Madis as one of them.

“I’m thankful to Alex Eala for her inspiration and for helping where Philippine tennis is right now,” said Madis, who turned back a returning Marian Jade Capadocia, 6-2, 7-6 (5), yesterday to claim the Palawan Open 2026 women’s singles title at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Christopher Papa downed AJ Lim, 6-4, 6-4, to claim the men’s singles crown.

It was the third title for the 18-year-old M’lang, Cotabato native, the country’s No. 2 highest ranked netter next to Eala. She earlier won in San Carlos and the National Open.

It was also Madis’ second win in three matches against Capadocia, the country’s former No. 1.

“You have to really give it all if you are playing her (Capadocia),” said Madis, who will compete in a tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next.

For her Palawan Open win, Madis pocketed P150,00 courtesy of Palawan Pawnshop.

It wasn’t a bad result for Capadocia, who gave birth to a son late last year.