Alexandra Eala of the Philippines has achieved a historic milestone by capturing her first WTA Tour singles title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington, DC. The 21-year-old defeated top-seeded Jessica Pegula in a thrilling championship match that was interrupted by rain and concluded across two days. Eala’s comeback performance saw her recover from losing the opening set to win the final two sets decisively, ultimately triumphing 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
After resuming play on Monday following Sunday’s weather delay, Eala showcased dominant form, capturing 10 of the match’s final 13 games through powerful baseline shots and an impressive serve. The victory marks a breakthrough moment in her career, with the young athlete expressing gratitude for the achievement. Pegula, a former DC Open champion from 2019, acknowledged Eala’s impressive journey and the passionate fanbase supporting her rise in professional tennis.
In the men’s tournament, American Taylor Fritz secured his 11th ATP career title by defeating Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar. The 28-year-old Fritz, who recently returned to competition following a knee injury, demonstrated consistency throughout the final. He won the opening set through a tiebreak and broke serve decisively in the second frame to claim victory 7-6(2), 6-4. The tournament victory marked Fritz’s first title of the 2026 season as players prepare for the upcoming North American hardcourt circuit leading to the US Open.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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