Alexandra Eala seals historic first WTA title for Philippines: 'I feel so much love'
Alexandra Eala made history by becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour-level singles title after defeating Jessica Pegula at the Washington Open. Taylor Fritz also secured a victory in the men's final following a rain-delayed tournament.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant milestone for Philippine tennis and highlights the growing international diversity in professional tennis circuits.
Alexandra Eala became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour-level singles title, while Taylor Fritz claimed his first trophy of the season, after both rain-delayed Washington Open finals were completed on Monday. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2026/05/14/filipina-favourite-alexandra-eala-balancing-hype-and-ambition-on-wta-tour/" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2026/05/14/filipina-favourite-alexandra-eala-balancing-hype-and-ambition-on-wta-tour/">Eala</a> stunned top seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 after the weather-hit women's final resumed with the 21-year-old trailing by a set but leading 2-1 in the second, while third seed Fritz beat Spanish teenager Rafa Jodar 7-6, 6-4 in a tight men's decider. “I feel so much love. My first chance at a title knowing it won't be the last and already having achieved this milestone for my career,” Eala said on court.
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