There is now only one match standing between Alex Eala and her first-ever WTA 500 championship—and that is against Jessica Pegula, as the two stars will battle for the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open title.
Many Filipino fans should remember Pegula, as she was the player who ended Eala’s fairytale run at the 2025 Miami Open. The veteran American defeated the pride of the Philippines in the Miami Open semifinals with a final score of 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3. It was during that very tournament that Eala rose to international stardom.
This year, the 32-year-old Pegula has continued to play magnificent tennis across multiple tournaments.
Pegula Aiming for Her Third WTA Title of 2026
The world No. 3 has already won two WTA titles this year: the WTA 500 Charleston Open and the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Additionally, the 19-time WTA champion finished as the runner-up at the Berlin Tennis Open and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open.
The top seed at the Mubadala DC Open is aiming to capture her 20th career title while also claiming her third championship of the 2026 season.
After receiving a first-round bye, Pegula defeated Magdalena Fręch in three sets in the Round of 16. She then beat Anna Kalinskaya and Diana Shnaider in straight sets to book her place in the final.
Alex Eala Aims for Her First-Ever WTA 500 Championship
On the other side of the court, the 21-year-old Filipina star is aiming to win her second WTA title of the 2026 season.
After capturing the WTA 125 Birmingham Open title, the world No. 28 has continued to make a strong push for another championship.bThe Quezon City native reached the semifinals of the Berlin Tennis Open and advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon.
Now that she is in her second final of the year, the confidence of the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate is at an all-time high—especially after beating formidable opponents along the way.
The Filipina bet first outlasted 2024 Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng in the opening round. She then eliminated defending champion Leylah Fernandez, knocked out world No. 10 Elina Svitolina, and defeated former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the semifinals.
Alex Eala Next Match
WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open
Alex Eala vs. Jessica Pegula Main Draw – Singles – Finals
August 3 (Monday) at 12:00 a.m.
