WORLDSPORTS-WTA MABADALA DC OPEN | WASHINGTON DC: Eala turns back Pegula to capture first WTA 500 crown
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts after winning the women’s singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC./ Scott Taetsch / Getty Images / AFP
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WATCH VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ivs2jWFKFY
Washington DC Open Final Live: Jessica Pegula vs Alex Eala – WTA Mubadala DC Open Tennis Final Live
After severe rain and lightning suspended play on Sunday, we are back live to complete the thrilling final clash between 21-year-old Philippine sensation Alexandra Eala and top seed Jessica Pegula! Current Match Status: Top seed Jessica Pegula claimed the opening set 6-4, but Alex Eala showed tremendous resilience to build momentum and hold a 2-1 lead (on serve) in the second set before heavy rain brought play to a halt. Eala is seeking her maiden WTA 500 trophy following a historic giant-killing run that saw her eliminate Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka. Meanwhile, Pegula is looking to close out the match to secure her second Washington D.C. crown and 12th career WTA singles title! Can Eala complete a dramatic second-set comeback and push this final into a deciding third set, or will Pegula hold her nerve to raise the trophy in D.C.?
Career-high No. 20 world ranking, P15-million prize sweeten Eala’s historic WTA title conquest
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 03: Alexandra Eala of the Philippines kisses the Championship Trophy after winning the women’s singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)MANILA, Philippines — Following a historic WTA 500 championship, Alex Eala has cracked the top 20 in the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.
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MANILA, Philippines — Following a historic WTA 500 championship, Alex Eala has cracked the top 20 in the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.
Eala won the Mubadala DC Open championship early Tuesday morning (Manila time) after outlasting World No. 3 Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
This is the first time that a Filipina won a WTA tour-level championship.
The 21-year-old tennister, who entered the tournament ranked 28th, jumped eight spaces to World No. 20.
It was Eala’s debut in Washington. Her stint came after a mythical run at Wimbledon, and after about a month of rest, she entered Washington as an unseeded player.
And her journey was no joke, as she defeated big name after big name.
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She started off her stint against reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. She, then, followed it up with wins against Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina and Naomi Osaka, all of whom are multi-titled tennisters.
Then, she came from behind against Pegula in the rain-delayed championship match.
Through her run, she only dropped two sets — the first set against Zheng and the first set against Pegula.
“Yeah, it was a very steep hill. And coming into the tournament, I knew that the competition was super strong. And my draw was quite tough. Every match was just a different set of obstacles,” Eala told reporters after her win.
“So I’m really, really proud. I think I encountered my fair share of obstacles this week. So super happy.”
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Eala won 500 ranking points in the tournament as the champion. She also brought home $252,000, or P15.39 million.
“It’s an achievement for myself. It’s a personal achievement. I’ve worked really hard. And oh my gosh, winning a 500 is insane. It’s an incredible milestone for me. And at the beginning of the week, there’s no way I would have thought that I would be holding this trophy,” she added.
“And even at the beginning of the year, it’s just these things kind of creep up on you. And yeah, I hold these moments really close to me.”
But it will be a quick turnaround for the Filipina. She will kick off her Canadian Open tour against Alycia Parks on Wednesday (Manila time).
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August 4, 2026 |
