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Washington, D.C – Alex Eala made history as the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour singles title.
The 20-year-old defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C.
The match was delayed several times because of thunderstorms and had to be completed over two days. Play was suspended Sunday night, with Pegula ahead in the match, before resuming Monday.
Eala lost the opening set and later trailed 4-3 in the second. She then won nine consecutive games to take the second set and finish the final set without allowing Pegula to win a game.
Before reaching the championship match, Eala defeated several prominent players, including defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second seed Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
The victory gives Eala her first singles championship at the WTA Tour level. She previously won the WTA 125 Guadalajara Open in September 2025, but the DC Open is a higher-level tournament on the main WTA Tour.
The title is also expected to move Eala into the world’s top 20 for the first time, marking another career milestone for the Filipina athlete.
Ahead of the final, Eala said she needed to trust herself and remember that she had earned her place in the championship match.
That confidence helped her secure a historic victory, not only for her career, but also for Philippine tennis.
We’re so proud of you, Alex! Congratulations!
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Date posted: August 4, 2026 1:47 AM