Washington: Alexandra Eala has created history by becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title after defeating top seed Jessica Pegula in a dramatic, weather-disrupted Washington Open final.
The championship match, originally scheduled, was repeatedly interrupted by heavy rain and lightning in the US capital. Pegula, the world No. 3, claimed the opening set 6-4 before play was halted with Eala leading 2-1 in the second set. The match was eventually postponed due to severe weather conditions.
When play resumed, the 21-year-old Filipino produced a remarkable comeback. Eala levelled the match by winning the second set 6-4 before dominating the decider 6-0, completing a memorable 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory.
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The triumph marks the biggest achievement of Eala’s career and makes her the first player from the Philippines to capture a WTA singles championship. Her fearless baseline play and powerful left-handed serve proved too strong for Pegula, who managed to win only three more games after the match resumed.
Speaking after the victory, an emotional Eala thanked her supporters and reflected on the milestone. Eala remarked that, “I feel so much love. I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me. My first chance at a title, knowing it won’t be the last, and already I’ve achieved this milestone for my career.”
The victory will see Eala rise from world No. 28 to a career-best ranking of No. 20 when the latest WTA rankings are released. Pegula, a two-time Washington Open champion, praised her opponent’s rapid rise after the final.
Pegula remarked that, “To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against, but I think it’s amazing.” Eala’s title-winning run also extended her impressive record against top-10 opponents to five consecutive victories, having previously defeated Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina twice, and Iga Swiatek.
In the men’s singles final, world No. 10 Taylor Fritz defeated 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 to claim his 11th ATP Tour title and his first championship since winning Eastbourne last year.
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