Alexandra Eala Becomes First Filipino WTA Singles Champion

Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title as she beat top seed Jessica Pegula in a delayed Washington Open final on 3 August 2026. The WTA event was postponed from Sunday to Monday due to adverse weather in the US capital. Rain and lightning resulted in the delay of the match, with Pegula, ranked third in the world, taking the first set 6-4.

Eala, 21, led 2-1 in the second set when further bad weather forced the match to be halted and ultimately canceled for the rest of the day. When play resumed on Monday, Pegula managed to win only three more games as Eala claimed a 4-6 6-4 6-0 victory. Pegula, aged 32, had previously won the event in 2019 and 2021, but Eala secured the second set and dominated in the final set with an effective left-handed serve and fearless baseline hitting.

"I feel so much love," Eala expressed. "I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me. This is my first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last, and I’ve already achieved this milestone for my career."

Following this victory, Eala will rise from 28th to a career-high 20th in the world rankings. Before the final, Pegula had remarked that Eala represents "the future of the tour." After the match, Pegula commented, "To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, and to see the amazing fans that follow you everywhere, it’s not fun to play against, but it’s amazing."

Eala's win marked her fifth consecutive victory against top-10 opponents, following her prior wins against Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina (twice), and Iga Swiatek. In the men's final, world number 10 Taylor Fritz defeated 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-2) 6-4, claiming his 11th ATP title and his first since last year's Eastbourne.