Eala Makes History as First Filipino WTA 500 Champion

JAKARTA - Alexandra Eala managed to make history as the first Filipino tennis player to win a WTA 500 event after she came out on top at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, which took place in Washington, United States.

Eala, 21, climbed to the top of the tournament's podium after defeating the top seed, host Jessica Pegula, in a three-set match that ended 4-6, 6-4, and 6-0 on Monday local time or Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

"I never expected to lift this trophy," Eala said on the official Women's Tennis Association (WTA) website.

The duel between Eala and Pegula was delayed due to heavy rain that hit the location of the match since Sunday, August 2, 2026, evening. Eala, who was in a losing position when the match was postponed, managed to turn the tide to lift the first major title in his career.

The victory in Washington broke Eala's failure at the Eastbourne Open last year. At that time, he almost won, but failed to take advantage of four championship points against Maya Joint.

Eala repeatedly managed to overcome the pressure in her performance in Washington. On the way to winning the title, she recorded three defeats, all of which were big names in women's singles.

The seeded players he managed to stop were second seed Elina Svitolina, third seed Naomi Osaka, and seventh seed and defending champion Leylah Fernandez. In addition, he also stopped the journey of the 2024 Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen.

The result against Pegula was Eala's seventh victory over a top 10 player this season. The record also matched the achievements of Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina.

The sweet victory in Washington also made the left-handed tennis player projected to enter the top 20 in the world for the first time this week.

"At the beginning of the week, I never expected to hold this trophy. Things like this just come and I really appreciate these moments," said Eala.

Eala will next compete in the 2026 Toronto Open and is already waiting for Alycia Parks (United States) in the second round. In the WTA 1000 event, Eala got a blank draw in the first round because she was the 25th seed.