Seven years after Washington marked Jessica Pegula’s rise into the elite ranks of the WTA Tour, the American found herself on the losing end as Alex Eala captured the title at the Mubadala DC Open.
Eala, 21, became the first Filipina to win a WTA 500 event after defeating Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in Washington, D.C., on Monday morning, Philippine time.
Their previous meeting came during Eala’s breakthrough run at the 2025 Miami Open, when Pegula defeated the Filipina, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3, in a semifinal classic. This time, Eala turned the tables and avenged that loss on the biggest stage of her career, finally securing her first WTA title.
The final was delayed by nearly three hours on Sunday because of rain before it was postponed for the day. When play resumed, the Filipina sensation returned to complete her dream run.
“I feel so much love,” Eala said on court after her victory.
“It’s my first time in a final, and I know it won’t be my last. I’ve reached this milestone in my career. I know that whatever happens after this match, I’ve already won.”
Eala dropped to the court, holding her head in her hands, overwhelmed with emotion. Tears filled her eyes before she stood up, embraced Pegula at the net, and let out a triumphant shout.
“I was so nervous, and I kind of blacked out,” Eala said. “Everything was just rushing at me.”
Eala also received congratulations from former eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who wrote on social media that her comeback showed the “heart of a Filipino” before calling her “our new champion.”
