Headline
Eala stuns Pegula in three sets to claim DC Open Champion title
Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 04, 2026
(Photo Courtesy: Mubadala DC Open | IG)
WASHINGTON – Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala captured her maiden WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open, overcoming American Jessica Pegula in a dramatic three-set final decided 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 early Tuesday morning (Manila time).
The match spanned two days and faced significant rain delays.
When it was time to get back to the court, Eala avenged her previous loss to Pegula at last year’s Miami Open after a resilient comeback from a first-set deficit and a tense second-set deadlock that extended into Tuesday.
Dominating the decider with a commanding 5-0 surge, Eala secured the victory to complete an impressive tournament run that included defeating high-profile opponents such as Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka.
Following her emotional on-court celebration, the Filipina is poised to reach a new career-high ranking, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport.
