Alexandra Eala achieved a historic milestone in her tennis career by winning her first WTA title at the Washington Open. She secured the victory over world number three Jessica Pegula in a match that concluded after overcoming weather delays and a lost first set. Eala's win marks the first time a Filipina player has won a WTA title.
Following the final point, Eala collapsed to the ground in tears, acknowledging the significant support from her home country. "To the Filipino community, here in DC and back home, wherever you are in the world. I really feel all the love," she stated. Pegula also commented on the crowd, noting it was "the best Monday final crowd I've seen," and humorously suggested some attendees may have taken time off work.
Eala is a graduate of the academy founded by former world number one Rafael Nadal, who congratulated her on the achievement, writing on X, "A well-deserved title for all the hard work."