Tennis: Philippines’ Eala wins first WTA title, Fritz claims DC crown

Alexandra Eala made history as the first player from the Philippines to capture a WTA Tour-level singles title at the Mubadala DC Open. The 21-year-old defeated world number three Jessica Pegula in a weather-disrupted final that extended across two days. After rain suspended play on Sunday with Pegula holding a one-set lead and a 2-1 advantage in the second set, Eala returned Monday to dominate the remainder of the match, winning 10 of the final 13 games through aggressive baseline play and strong serving.

Eala's victory marks a significant milestone for Philippine tennis. Following her triumph, she expressed gratitude for the support surrounding her breakthrough achievement, noting that the victory represented the culmination of her recent development as a player. Pegula, the 2019 DC Open champion, acknowledged Eala's impressive rise and the passionate fan base that has followed her career trajectory.

In the men's competition, American Taylor Fritz secured his 11th career ATP title by defeating 19-year-old Spanish prospect Rafael Jodar. Fritz, who had recently returned to competition following a knee injury earlier in the season, demonstrated consistent serving throughout the match, winning 81 percent of his first-serve points. He captured a tight opening-set tiebreak before breaking Jodar's serve decisively in the second set to claim his first title of 2026.

The tournament concluded a rain-affected week in Washington, D.C., as the professional tennis circuit moves forward into the North American hardcourt season leading toward the US Open.