Tennis: Philippinesâ Eala wins first WTA title, Fritz claims DC crown
Alexandra Eala made history as the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title, defeating top seed Jessica Pegula at the
Alexandra Eala made history as the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title, defeating top seed Jessica Pegula at the Mubadala DC Open before Taylor Fritz claimed the menâs crown. The 21-year-old Eala rallied to beat world number three Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a weather-disrupted womenâs final that spanned two days, ending on Monday. Rain had suspended play on Sunday with Pegula leading by a set but trailing 2-1 in the second. Upon Mondayâs resumption, Eala dominated, winning 10 of the final 13 games with aggressive baseline play and a formidable serve to seal her breakthrough victory.
âI feel so much love. My first chance at a title, knowing it wonât be the last, and already having achieved this milestone for my career,â Eala said on the court after lifting the trophy in front of a vocal contingent of supporters. âI knew whatever happened after this match would have already been a win for me.â Pegula, who previously won the DC Open in 2019, praised the young Filipinaâs remarkable campaign. âTo see how far youâve come over the last couple of years⌠to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, itâs not fun to play against, but I think itâs amazing,â Pegula told Eala during the trophy presentation.
In the menâs final, American Taylor Fritz earned his 11th career ATP title by defeating 19-year-old Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar 7-6(2), 6-4. Fritz, returning to peak form following a knee injury that sidelined him earlier this season, produced a steady performance behind his serve, winning 81 percent of his first-serve
points. The 28-year-old American edged a tight opening-set tiebreak before securing the decisive break in the second set to seal his first title of 2026. The double bill concluded a rain-plagued week in the US capital as players now head into the North American hardcourt swing ahead of the US Open.
The BriefWire