Alex Eala wins the DC Open after defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, completing a historic run that included Naomi Osaka and Zheng Qinwen.
When Lifestyle Asia featured Alex Eala as our January 2022 digital cover star, she was a teenage Grand Slam champion with a clear goal in mind: to one day compete with the best in the world. Four years later, that promise has become reality. This week in Washington, Eala reached the biggest final of her career at the Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first Filipina to make it to a WTA 500 championship match.
It was the culmination of a remarkable run that saw her take down some of the sport’s biggest names—including former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka—and further cement her place among tennis’ brightest young stars.
All roads led to one showdown against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula.
Alex Eala Wins The DC Open
The 21-year-old Filipina has captured the biggest title of her career, defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula to win the Mubadala DC Open after an emphatic 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 comeback. In doing so, Eala becomes the first Filipina to win a WTA 500 title, capping off a week that may well go down as one of the greatest tournament runs in Philippine tennis history.
What made the victory even sweeter was the company she kept along the way. Eala earned her title by taking down an extraordinary lineup of opponents, from reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the opening round to defending champion Leylah Fernandez, world No. 10 Elina Svitolina, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, and finally Pegula herself.
After dropping the opening set 6-4, Eala found another gear. The Filipina responded with a composed second set to level the match before taking complete control in the decider, racing to a dominant 6-0 finish against the world No. 3. It was a statement victory that showcased everything fans loved about her game.
The win marks the biggest title of Eala’s professional career and another historic milestone for Philippine tennis.
A Title Years In The Making
The victory marks Eala’s first WTA 500 title and another historic first for Philippine tennis.
For those who have followed her journey—from winning the US Open girls’ singles title to appearing on our January 2022 digital cover—this feels like the moment where years of hard work and promise have materialized. With the North American hard-court swing continuing, Eala leaves Washington not just as a champion, but as one of the most exciting players to watch heading into the US Open.
Banner photo by Troi Santos via Lifestyle Asia’s Archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Alex Eala won the Mubadala DC Open by defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final after coming back from one set down, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
During her title run, Alex Eala defeated Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula.
Alex Eala defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to win the DC Open title.
Alex Eala became the first Filipina to win a WTA 500 title after defeating a string of top-ranked players and Grand Slam champions en route to the championship.
Alex Eala’s title run included victories over reigning Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, world No. 10 Elina Svitolina, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final.
