Alexandra Eala made history Monday at the Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title.
The 21-year-old rallied past top seed Jessica Pegula, the world number three, with a final score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a women's final that rain had pushed across two days. Play had been suspended Sunday with Pegula leading by a set but trailing 2-1 in the second set. When play resumed Monday, Eala dominated, winning 10 of the final 13 games through aggressive baseline play and a strong serve, according to Al Jazeera.
"I feel so much love. My first chance at a title, knowing it won't be the last, and already having achieved this milestone for my career," Eala said on the court after lifting the trophy in front of a vocal group of supporters. "I knew whatever happened after this match would have already been a win for me."
Pegula, a former DC Open champion who won the title in 2019, praised Eala during the trophy presentation. "To see how far you've come over the last couple of years… to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it's not fun to play against, but I think it's amazing," Pegula told Eala.
On the men's side, American Taylor Fritz won his 11th career ATP title by defeating 19-year-old Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar 7-6(2), 6-4. Fritz, who had been sidelined earlier this season by a knee injury, won 81 percent of his first-serve points. The 28-year-old won a tight opening-set tiebreak before breaking serve in the second set to close out the match and claim his first title of 2026.
The tournament concluded a rain-disrupted week in Washington. Players now head into the North American hardcourt swing ahead of the US Open.
