Manila, Philippines, August 4, 2026: The Philippine Olympic Committee proudly declared “History is made” with the stunning victory of young tennis star Alex Eala at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC on Monday.
The 21-year-old left-hander, Asian Games bronze medal-winner at Hangzhou 2022, defeated world No. 3 and top seed Jessica Pegula in the final to win her first WTA 500 title – one step down from a grand slam title.
The POC celebrated her incredible success.
“After rain pushed back the biggest match of her young career, the Filipina sensation weathered the storm - and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula - battling back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
“Alex Eala has officially captured her maiden WTA Tour singles title at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open.
“It took Eala a full day to get it done after a grueling weather delay, but the 21-year-old completely flipped the switch. She delivered an absolute masterclass in the deciding set, blanking the American top seed (6-0) right in front of her home crowd.”
The POC highlighted her run to the final, starting with a victory over China’s Paris 2024 Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the Round of 32.
*Defeated defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the Round of 16
*Ousted World No. 10 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals
*Marched past former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the semifinals
*Conquered World No. 3 Jessica Pegula
The POC concluded: “A breakout campaign is now a championship reality. History is made.”
Eala, as always, was roared on by a huge number of Filipinos in the crowd – a trend that has followed her around the world and is building with every tournament.
The Philippines, and Asia, truly has a global sports star in their midst.
(POC)