Rain halts Eala’s historic title bid as Pegula takes lead in DC Open final

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 03, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Alex Eala | IG)

WASHINGTON – Alex Eala’s historic bid for her first WTA Tour singles title was halted by heavy rain, leaving the Mubadala DC Open final suspended with Jessica Pegula leading 6-4, 1-2.

The 21-year-old Filipino star remains on the verge of making history, but her chance to claim the biggest championship ever won by a Filipino in the Open era now depends on when play can resume.

WTA 500 faced nearly eight hours of delays due to persistent rain and lightning at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, pushing the first serve to around 4 a.m. before another downpour halted play midway through the second set.

Pegula, seeking her second Washington crown and 12th career WTA title, displayed the same resilience seen in her semifinal comeback, overcoming a 3-4 deficit in the opening set with timely shot-making to secure a 6-4 victory before Eala could serve for the set.

Eala, who had rallied past seeded rivals en route to the final, responded strongly in the second set, holding serve to lead 2-1 before the weather intervened once more.

Tournament officials expect play to resume by 8 a.m. Manila time, leaving Eala’s career-defining breakthrough hanging in the balance against both Pegula’s grit and Washington’s unpredictable skies.