Eala gets another chance against Pegula in DC Open final

Alex Eala will get another opportunity to defeat world No. 3 Jessica Pegula when the two meet in the championship match of the WTA Mubadala Citi DC Open on Monday at 12:00 a.m. Philippine time.

Eala enters the final with a remarkable record against top-10 opponents, owning the highest winning percentage among active players with eight victories in 12 matches against elite-ranked players. Pegula remains the only top-10 opponent she has yet to defeat after beating the Filipina in the 2025 Miami Open semifinals, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3.

Both players have been in excellent form in Washington, dropping just one set each on their way to the title match.

The top-seeded Pegula opened her campaign with a first-round bye before recovering from a slow start to defeat Poland's Magdalena Frech, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. She then defeated world No. 20 Anna Kalinskaya of Russia, 6-3, 7-5, before eliminating fourth seed Diana Shnaider, 7-5, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Eala, meanwhile, battled back from a set down in her opening match against former world No. 3 Zheng Qinwen of China, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. She followed that with a victory over defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada, 6-2, 7-5, before defeating world No. 10 Elina Svitolina for the second time this year, 6-3, 6-4.

The 20-year-old Filipina then produced another major upset in the semifinals, defeating former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the biggest final of her professional career.

Eala acknowledged that Pegula will provide a different challenge compared with her previous opponents but believes she has improved since their last meeting.

"I would say all the aspects (of my game) have improved at the same pace. But then again, all players are evolving. Improvement is not a linear thing. Every match is different, and I am sure Jess has also changed so much in these 18 months," Eala said in an interview with Tennis Channel.

Pegula has emerged as one of the WTA Tour's most consistent players despite still searching for her first Grand Slam singles title. She has won the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships and the WTA 500 Charleston Open this season.

Known for her clean ball striking, timing, and ability to control rallies from the baseline, Pegula presents a different challenge from the power-based games of Osaka and Zheng. She is expected to rely on her consistency, placement, and court coverage to push Eala into difficult positions.

Eala, however, has shown throughout the tournament that she can compete with the world's best. After defeating several top-ranked opponents, the Filipina will look to maintain her aggressive style and composure against the hometown favorite.

The winner will claim the DC Open title in what promises to be a battle of consistency, shot-making, and rally control.