Alexandra Eala has made history by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA title, triumphing over world number three Jessica Pegula in the Washington Open final. The 21-year-old overcame weather delays and losing the first set to secure the victory.
Eala expressed her gratitude to the Filipino community, stating, "To the Filipino community, here in DC and back home, wherever you are in the world. I really feel all the love." Even Pegula noted the impressive crowd turnout for the Monday continuation of the final.
Former world number one Rafael Nadal, whose academy Eala graduated from, congratulated her on X, calling it "A well-deserved title for all the hard work." Fellow Filipino and former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao also praised Eala, writing on social media that her comeback showed the "heart of a Filipino" and calling her "our new champion."
Eala's journey includes graduating from Nadal's tennis academy in 2023 and becoming the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam in the Open era at Wimbledon, where she defeated Iga Swiatek. Her performance at the Washington Open saw her beat the top three seeds, leading Pegula to describe the world number 20 as "the future of the tour."