Filipino tennis star Alex Eala secured the biggest win of her career on Tuesday, overcoming world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States to claim the 2026 Mubadala DC Open title.
The 21-year-old captured her first WTA singles title in commanding fashion, rallying from a set down to win the final 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
Eala became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA singles championship, marking a historic milestone for her nation.
Her path to the final included a second-round upset over defending champion Leylah Fernandez, followed by victories over world No. 10 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the quarterfinals and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the semifinals.
“Before yesterday’s final, I received so many kind messages from my family and friends, even those traveling on tour around the world. I really felt surrounded by love,” Eala said after the match.
“Standing here, feeling all that support, getting my first shot at a title—knowing this won’t be my last—and having already reached this point in my career, I realized that no matter the outcome, this moment itself was already a victory,” she added.
Facing top-seeded Pegula, Eala delivered a composed and aggressive performance, relying on sharp returns and assertive play that have come to define her style.
After dropping the first set, Eala had to overcome not only a deficit but also a lengthy rain delay that pushed the conclusion of the match to Tuesday midnight in Manila.
In the opening set, Pegula saved two break points at 3-4 before turning the tide—an Eala error and a well-placed ace brought her to deuce, then a powerful forehand winner and an Eala long shot leveled the game at 4-4.
Pegula broke serve and held easily to close out the set.
The second set saw both players holding serve through the first three games before rain halted play, with Pegula preparing to serve.
When the match resumed hours later, Eala shifted gears.
The pair held serve until the ninth game, where Eala powered through to love, taking a 5-4 lead as Pegula struggled with unforced errors.
Those mistakes continued in the tenth game. A long forehand gave Eala a breakpoint, and another misfired shot handed her the set, forcing a decider. In the third, Eala took full control.
Dominant on serve and relentless in attack, she overwhelmed Pegula with consistent serving and a wide array of winners, keeping her opponent off rhythm throughout.
Following the match, Eala spoke highly of her opponent, offering sincere praise for Pegula’s skill and sportsmanship.
Source -ABS CBN
