Alexandra Eala becomes first Filipina to win WTA title in Washington
The 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 win over Jessica Pegula lifts Eala to No. 20 in the world, a career high.
Alexandra Eala made history as the first Filipina to win a WTA Tour singles title after capturing the Washington Open. In a final delayed by rain and resumed Monday local time, the 21-year-old rallied to beat top seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. When play resumed, Eala was down a set but leading 2-1 in the second, then won 10 of 13 games after the restart. The WTA 500 title marks the biggest breakthrough of her career and is projected to lift her to No. 20 in the world, her best ranking yet. On her run to the trophy, Eala also beat Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, Leylah Fernandez, and Zheng Qinwen.