WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alexandra Eala defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to win the women's singles title at the DC Open. The victory was Alexandra Eala's first WTA Tour singles title.

Alexandra Eala is the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title. She is 21 years old.

Jessica Pegula was the top seed in the tournament and is ranked number three in the world. The DC Open is a WTA 500 level tournament.

The women's final was suspended due to heavy rain on Sunday afternoon with Eala leading 2-1 in the second set. The women's final resumed and concluded on Monday.

Alexandra Eala won the final eight games of the match. This performance capped a run in which she defeated all three of the tournament’s top seeds during the event.

"At the beginning of the week, there’s no way I would have thought that I would be holding this trophy," Alexandra Eala said. "Winning a 500 (level tournament) is insane. It’s an incredible milestone for me."

Eala described the intensity of the moment following the conclusion of play. "I was so nervous, and I kind of just blacked out. Everything just came rushing to me," she said.

She reflected on the support she received throughout the competition. "I feel so much love. My first chance at a title, knowing it won’t be the last, and already having achieved this milestone for my career," Eala said. "I knew whatever happened after this match would have already been a win for me."

Jessica Pegula acknowledged the challenge posed by her opponent and the environment. "It’s not fun to play against, but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere. I think it’s amazing," Pegula said.

Pegula also recognized the growth of Eala's profile on the tour. "To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years… 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," Pegula said.

Jessica Pegula won her first WTA title at the Washington tournament in 2019. Manny Pacquiao congratulated Alexandra Eala on social media following the victory.

Manny Pacquiao is a former eight-division boxing champion. Alexandra Eala achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 20 on August 3, 2026. Alexandra Eala is the first Filipina to break into the top 30 in singles, record victories over top-10 players, and advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era.

In the men's singles final, Taylor Fritz defeated Rafael Jodar 7-6 (2), 6-4 to win the men's singles title at the DC Open. Taylor Fritz is the third seed in the men's tournament.

Taylor Fritz is American. The men's final was Taylor Fritz's 11th career ATP title.

Rafael Jodar is 19 years old. Taylor Fritz won 81 percent of his first-serve points in the men's final.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Philippine tennis, as Alexandra Eala becomes the first player from the country to secure a WTA Tour-level singles title. Winning a WTA 500 event in her debut appearance at the tournament demonstrates a significant breakthrough in her career trajectory.

Eala's path to the title included victories over all three top seeds in the draw, culminating in a win over the world number three. Her rise has been accompanied by a climb to a career-high ranking of world No. 20, making her the first Filipina to break into the top 30 in singles and record victories over top-10 players in the Open Era.

Why It Matters

Eala's victory establishes a new precedent for Philippine tennis as the first WTA Tour-level singles title won by a player from the country. By defeating all three top seeds, including the world number three, during her debut at this WTA 500 event, she demonstrates a breakthrough that alters the trajectory for athletes from her nation. This achievement marks a historic milestone that expands the scope of success possible for Filipino competitors on the global stage.