Eala becomes first Filipino to win WTA singles title

Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title as she beat top seed Jessica Pegula in a delayed Washington Open final.

The WTA showpiece was postponed from Sunday to Monday because of bad weather in the US capital.

Rain and lightning meant the start was pushed back on Sunday, before world number three Pegula took the first set 6-4.

Eala, 21, was leading 2-1 in the second set when further bad weather meant play was halted and then cancelled for the rest of the day.

And after play resumed on Monday, Pegula won just three more games as Eala wrapped up a 4-6 6-4 6-0 victory.

Pegula, 32, previously won the event in 2019 and 2021, but Eala secured the second set before racing through the decider behind a dominant left-handed serve and some fearless baseline hitting.

“I feel so much love,” she said. “I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me.

“My first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last and already [I’ve] achieved this milestone for my career.”

Eala will jump from 28th in the world rankings to a career-high 20 and before the final Pegula described her as “the future of the tour”.

On Monday, the American added: “To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, 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.”

The victory extended Eala’s winning streak against top-10 opponents to five matches following victories over Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina (twice), and Iga Swiatek.

In the men’s final, world number 10 Taylor Fritz beat 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

The American, who was the third seed, claimed his 11th ATP title and his first since Eastbourne last year.

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