The title in the United States extends Eala's impressive record against top players. She has now won 9 of 13 matches against top 10 WTA opponents, marking the highest win rate among active players. This victory also propelled the Filipino player to world number 20 and avenged her loss to Pegula in the Miami Open 2025 semifinals.
The championship became even more meaningful for Eala after a heartbreaking loss to Maya Joint in the Eastbourne 2025 final. In that match, Eala missed 4 championship points in the third-set tie-break, losing her chance for a first title. More than one year later, even the rain that extended the Washington final by one day could not stop the 21-year-old from defeating world number three Pegula to reach a new milestone in her career.
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Alexandra Eala (Philippines) lifts the championship trophy after defeating Jessica Pegula (US) in the women's singles final of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, Washington, US on 4/8. Photo: Reuters |
Alexandra Eala (Philippines) lifts the championship trophy after defeating Jessica Pegula (US) in the women's singles final of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, Washington, US on 4/8. Photo: Reuters
Playing before a packed center court, Eala competed evenly with top seed Pegula in the first set. She continuously attacked from the baseline, forcing her American opponent to move and defend. Pegula, however, utilized her strength with deep, heavy shots, gradually pushing Eala back from the baseline.
Pegula broke serve in game five to lead 3-2, but Eala immediately broke back to level the score. Leading 4-3, the Filipino player had two game points to take the advantage but could not convert them, before losing three consecutive games and the opening set.
In the second set, Eala was leading 2-1 when the match was suspended due to rain. When play resumed the next day, she showed a completely different performance. After the score reached 4-4, Eala gradually took control with consecutive winners, and also displayed superiority in rallies. She broke in the 10th game to force a deciding set.
The expected tension didn't materialize in the final set. Eala completely dominated her opponent with relentless attacking play and a confident mindset. She won six consecutive games to love, completing a spectacular comeback and clinching the title on her first championship point.
Eala's path to the title was convincing. In her opening match, she came from behind to defeat Zheng Qinwen – the Olympic Paris 2024 women's singles gold medalist – with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, before advancing straight to the championship.
Success in Washington further affirmed Eala's maturity. Before making a name for herself on the WTA Tour, the Filipino player had won a women's singles gold medal at the SEA Games 33, becoming the pride of Southeast Asian tennis.
Vy Anh
