Alexandra Eala beats Jessica Pegula to secure historic DC Open title

Alexandra Eala (Pic: AFP)

Alexandra Eala's remarkable week at the DC Open extended an extra day due to weather delays, but by the end, the words featured on her Nike shirt earlier in the tournament had proven entirely true.

"Once it grows, it cannot be stopped."

Following a rain delay that pushed the women's final across two days, the 21-year-old mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 on Monday, securing her first WTA Tour trophy. With this achievement, Eala became the first Filipina to capture a singles crown at the tour level, mirroring the milestone breakthrough Jessica Pegula herself experienced in Washington back in 2019.

"At the beginning of the week, there's no way I would have thought that I would be holding this trophy," Eala said. "Winning a 500 (level tournament) is insane. It's an incredible milestone for me."

In the men's final later that afternoon, third-seeded American Taylor Fritz got past Rafael Jodar 7-6 (2), 6-4. Fritz earned two crucial breaks early in the second set before converting on his fifth championship opportunity to secure his 11th career title.

"It was just relief, like thank God I got it done, thank God the match is over," Fritz said of the moment. "It wasn't so much as like a celebration ... I can just lay down for a second."

Vocal support helped Eala over the line

Eala entered Stadium Court backed by passionate support from the local Filipino community. National flags filled the venue, and loud cheers for Eala consistently overshadowed support for her opponent on home soil.

"It's not fun to play against, but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere," Pegula said of the crowd. "I think it's amazing."

Pegula secured the opening set on Sunday before heavy rain interrupted play with Eala leading 2-1 in the second. Upon returning Monday, Eala took total command, sweeping the final eight games of the contest and defeating the event's top three seeded players en route to the title. Overcome with emotion, Eala fell to the court in tears before sharing a warm embrace with Pegula at the net.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal extended his congratulations to Eala on her maiden title win with a post on social media.

"I was so nervous, and I kind of just blacked out," Eala said. "Everything just came rushing to me."

(With inputs from PTI)