WASHINGTON — Alex Eala captured the biggest title of her career Monday, rallying to defeat world No. 3 Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the weather-delayed final of the Mubadala DC Open.
The 21-year-old Filipina overcame a first-set deficit and a rain interruption that suspended the championship match overnight. When play resumed, Eala matched Pegula’s power from the baseline before taking command in a dominant final set.
The victory gave Eala her first WTA Tour-level singles title and the WTA 500 trophy in Washington. She became the first Filipina to win a WTA title at that level, completing a tournament run that included wins over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, world No. 10 Elina Svitolina and former No. 1 Naomi Osaka.
Pegula, the tournament’s top seed, won the opening set 6-4 and led before rain and lightning stopped play Sunday. Eala returned with steadier serving and more aggressive returns, breaking Pegula late in the second set to force a decider.
Eala then surged through the third set without dropping a game, sealing the championship in front of a loud contingent of Filipino supporters at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center.
Pegula had beaten Eala in the semifinals of the Miami Open in 2025, but Eala evened their head-to-head record with the victory in Washington.
The title is expected to move Eala into the WTA’s top 20 and further establish her as one of the sport’s emerging young players.
