ROME, Italy — “Forza Alex! Laban Alex! Let’s go Alex!” The chants rang out across the historic grounds of the Foro Italico sports complex following Alex Eala’s emotional opening-round victory at the 2026 Italian Open.

After nearly two hours of intense competition against Magdalena Fręch of Poland, Eala secured a hard-fought 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 win—a triumph celebrated not only by Filipinos in attendance, but also by international spectators who were captivated by her performance.

As she walked off the court, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star turned to the crowd chanting her name and offered a simple but heartfelt message: “Salamat! Salamat!”

For the Filipinos who made the journey to Rome, those words made the moment even more meaningful.

FROM ITALY AND BEYOND. Filipinos in attendance at Alex’s first match at the 2026 Italian Open include Tina and Glen from Florida, Cristopher Raso from the United Kingdom, and Jen and Lilia from Rome. PIA GONZALEZ-ABUCAY

One match, countless sacrifices

Even before her match began, news of Eala’s appearance spread quickly through Filipino social media groups across Italy.

Proud Pinoys Edward and Joy wave the Philippine flag after Alex’s match. PIA GONZALEZ-ABUCAY

The match schedule was released at the last minute, leaving many fans scrambling to secure tickets, rearrange travel plans, and make sudden changes to their personal schedules.

Still, for many Filipinos abroad, every sacrifice was worth it.

Among them were Tina and Glen from Florida, who were vacationing in Rome to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

“We’re very excited. To see Alex in this historic place is wonderful. Go Alex! Laban tayo!”

A Philippine flag stands out in the audience gallery of the historic Foro Italico sports complex in Rome. PIA GONZALEZ-ABUCAY

Instead of a quiet anniversary dinner, watching Eala compete became the highlight of their celebration.

Cristopher Raso, originally from Rizal and now based in London, also refused to miss the opportunity.

While spending his holiday in Rome, he made sure to watch Eala play live for the very first time.

“I am rooting for her, and I hope her career continues to flourish. We Filipinos are here to support her.”

After the match, he was nearly voiceless from cheering. “The nerves were worth it. The shouting was worth it. Go Alex!”

Moments after the interview, he rushed to the airport to catch his flight back to London.

Philippine flags waved

Edward and Joy proudly waved their small Philippine flag after the match. It was their first time attending a live tennis match—and seeing Eala win made it even more memorable.

“We finally got to see Alex, and she won, too, so we’re going home very happy.”

Amid the Italian crowd, Filipino fans stood out—carrying flags, wearing the country’s colors, and cheering in unison.

Alex Eala and Magdalena Frech are all set to duel on the clay court of the 2026 Italian Open. PIA GONZALEZ-ABUCAY

For Jen and Lilia, both residents of Rome, it wasn’t just Eala’s talent that inspired them.

“She played so well today. It was nerve-racking, but we believe she is being guided from above because she is a good person.”

For them, Eala represents perseverance, humility, and determination—qualities many Filipinos see reflected in their own journeys abroad.

For a few hours inside Foro Italico, the Filipino diaspora became a close-knit community brought together by a shared sense of pride.

In a city thousands of miles away from the Philippines, overseas Filipinos found a renewed connection to home.

PARA SA PINOY. Alex Eala gets ready to serve against Magdalena Frech during her Round of 128 match at the 2026 Italian Open inside the Foro Italico sports complex in Rome. PIA GONZALEZ-ABUCAY

With every chant of “Laban Alex!” and every wave of the Philippine flag, it became clear that Eala is more than just a rising tennis star. She has become a symbol of Filipino pride and unity.

And on the clay courts of Foro Italico, Alex Eala proved that sometimes, one victory is enough to unite an entire community—and reignite the spirit of being Filipino, no matter where they are in the world. — VDV, GMA News