Alexandra Eala reached the Mubadala DC Open final after overcoming a set deficit in a previous WTA event, setting up a decisive match against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula.
Heavy rain in Washington, D.C. forced three stoppages, pushing the final to early Tuesday morning. The organizers halted play for nine hours before rescheduling the match at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center.
Eala began the second set with a 2‑1 lead after holding her first two serves, while Pegula had taken the opening set 6‑4. The Philippine player’s momentum and an extra day of rest could prove pivotal in forcing a third set.
The 21‑year‑old has a proven record of fighting back after dropping the first set, as seen in her recent 5‑7, 6‑3, 7‑5 win at the WTA 125 Birmingham tournament and her comeback victories in Guadalajara and at Wimbledon.
During Wimbledon, Eala defeated Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16 and later overcame Maya Joint in a 3‑6, 6‑2, 6‑0 reversal, demonstrating resilience against top‑ten players.
In Washington, she also defeated former Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka, all in straight sets, showcasing her ability to topple high‑ranked opponents.
Pegula had previously secured a first‑set win over Eala in the Miami Open semifinals, but the Filipina has since evolved into a more aggressive and determined competitor.
“Entering this tournament, the field was stacked with big names. Reaching the final feels significant,” Eala remarked before the match.
A victory would lift Eala to a career‑best ranking of No. 24, adding 256 points to her total. The prize money would increase to $155,000, with a potential $252,000 if she wins the title.
Regardless of the outcome, Eala’s performance continues to elevate Philippine tennis on the world stage.
