Eala overcomes Pegula to clinch DC Open crown
MANILA, Philippines -- “Weak server.” “Lead choker.” “Average tennister.”
How about "Champion"?
Alex Eala has raised her first-ever WTA 500 title after besting Jessica Pegula in come-from-behind fashion, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the final of the Mubadala DC Open early Tuesday morning (Manila time).
It may be safe to say that Eala was able to exorcise the ghost of the past with Pegula. It was the American who ended the Filipina’s dream run in the Miami Open last year with a three-set win.
This time around, it was the pride of the Philippines’ turn to grab a three-set victory.
The match started on Monday, but it was delayed for a few hours due to strong rains.
There, the Filipina had a strong start in the match, going up 4-3 in the first set after holding her serve in the seventh game.
But Pegula showcased her veteran mastery and grabbed the next three games, 6-4.
Eala then grabbed the upper hand early on in the second set, going up 2-1.
But rains halted the action for a few hours, and the match was eventually restarted on Tuesday (Manila time.)
The two traded games upon the resumption of the match, but eventually, Eala forced the deciding third set, breaking a 4-all deadlock after holding her serve and breaking her opponent's, 6-4.
The momentum, then, went on the side of Eala from that point on.
The late back-to-back games seemingly lit a fire under the Filipina, as she absolutely dismantled Pegula, winning game after game as she took a 5-0 lead.
And with the American serving in the sixth game, Eala kept her composure as an unforced error put her ahead, 40-0. An unforced error of her own put Pegula on the board, but the American could not put her return inside.
The Filipina let out her emotions after getting the victory, slumping to the floor, covering her face. She exchanged pleasantries with Pegula before celebrating, shouting. She has done it.
ALL ABOARD THE EALA EXPRESS ????
— wta (@WTA) August 3, 2026
Alexandra Eala secures her first ever WTA Tour title!#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/uSpxYxWqO5
It was a run to remember for Eala. Like a grim reaper, she came for the throats of Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina and Naomi Osaka in succeeding rounds before facing off against Pegula.
And at the end of the WTA 500 tournament, the Pinay wonder is expected to reach a new career-high in the rankings.
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