Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title after defeating top seed Jessica Pegula in a weather disrupted Washington Open final.
The championship match, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed to Monday after heavy rain and lightning repeatedly interrupted play in the U.S. capital.
Pegula, ranked world number three, won the opening set 6 4 before play was halted with Eala leading 2 1 in the second set. The match resumed the following day, with the 21 year old Filipina recovering to claim a 4 6, 6 4, 6 0 victory.
Eala produced a composed performance after the restart, using her powerful left handed serve and aggressive baseline play to overwhelm the two time Washington champion, who managed to win only three more games after play resumed.
“I feel so much love,” Eala said after the match.
“I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me. My first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last and already achieved this milestone for my career.”
The victory lifts Eala from world number 28 to a career high ranking of world number 20.
Pegula praised her opponent’s rapid rise after the final.
“To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, 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.”
The title also extended Eala’s remarkable run against top 10 opponents to five consecutive victories, following wins over Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina twice, and Iga Swiatek.
In the men’s final, third seed Taylor Fritz defeated 19 year old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7 6 (7 2), 6 4 to capture his 11th ATP Tour singles title and his first since winning Eastbourne in 2025.
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