Eala stuns Pegula, becomes first Filipina to claim WTA Tour title

Alex Eala etched her name in Philippine tennis history after completing an impressive comeback against world no. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4–6, 6–4, 6–0, to become the first Filipina to win a WTA tour title in the rain-delayed final of the Mubadala DC Open on Monday, Aug. 3, in Washington, D.C.

Pegula controlled the opening set with her aggressive playing style, forcing Eala into difficult rallies and capitalizing on key opportunities to gain the upper hand and claim the first set, 6-4.

After heavy rain halted the championship match with Eala leading 2-1 in the second frame, the match resumed on Aug. 4 (Philippine time) as both players returned to battle for glory.

Eala quickly regained her momentum after the resumption, showcasing her composure and determination under pressure to claim the second set, 6-4, and force a deciding third set to keep her championship hopes alive.

Pegula could not recover in the deciding set as Eala seized complete control, putting her opponent firmly on the back foot to complete a dominant 6-0 sweep and seal the historic championship.

The championship also lifted Eala eight places to a career-high no. 20 in the WTA Rankings, making her the first Filipina to break into the Top 20 and further cementing her historic breakthrough for Philippine tennis.

Following her Washington triumph, Eala advanced to the National Bank Open Round of 16, where she will face Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic for a spot in the quarterfinals as she vies for another title.