Filipina tennis player Alex Eala had the victory of her life beating world’s No.3 Jessica Pegula of the United States to win the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. The 21-year-old Eala claimed the WTA title for the first time in her career, defeating the American tennis player in straight sets: 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. The young athlete became the first ever Filipino tennis player to win the WTA crown.
She had a brilliant path to the final, having defeated the defending women’s champion Leylah Fernandez, world no.10 Elina Svitolina, and former world no.1 Naomi Osaka.
“My family and my loved ones have been so tremendous and huge support throughout my career. To even get here (to the final), I knew it was going to be a great achievement regardless of the result,” Eala said in her post-match press conference. The young finalist lost the first set against Pegula, while the second set had to be stopped due to rain. Then, in the third set, Eala was able to dominate the opponent with powerful shots and excellent service to achieve the victory.
“I respect Jessica a lot, and I think I have a lot to take away from our matches,” said Eala, referring to the world’s no.3 Pegula. She made it to the second WTA final of her life this season, having lost the Eastbourne final a year earlier.
With this result, Eala is expected to reach a new career’s best ranking (No.20 in the WTA) this week /Mary Salcedo
