Champions Corner: Alexandra Eala's breakthrough, in her own words
Alexandra Eala made history by winning the Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first Filipina to secure a WTA Tour singles title. Her victory, which included defeating the top three seeds, propelled her into the Top 20 of the WTA rankings.
Why it matters
This represents a significant milestone for Philippine tennis and highlights the rise of a new talent in the professional circuit.
WASHINGTON -- Alexandra Eala spent parts of two days waiting to finish the biggest match of her career.
Rain repeatedly interrupted the Mubadala DC Open final Sunday, leaving Eala with little to do but wait. She read a few chapters of "Wuthering Heights," grabbed something to eat and stayed ready for play to resume.
When play finally resumed the next day, Eala, 21, rallied from a set down to defeat top seed Jessica Pegula 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1, capturing the first title of her career on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz and becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA Tour singles title.
"First and foremost, it's an achievement for myself," Eala said in her champion's press conference. "It's a personal achievement. I have worked really hard.
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