Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts after winning the women's singles championship match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch, Getty Images/AFP
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala soaked in the love after making history with her first WTA title on Tuesday (Manila time), when she beat world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States to rule the Mubadala DC Open.
With the championship in hand, Eala stood on center court and thanked her family, her team, the tournament organizers, and the thousands of Filipino fans who made Washington DC feel like home for her all week.
She thanked Pegula after her 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory in their rain-delayed match, noting that she learned plenty from the American star.
READ: Alex Eala turns back Pegula, makes history with DC Open title
"It's always a pleasure to share the court with you. I definitely learned so, so much, especially from your forehand lines and your backhand crosses," she said.
Eala listed the people who made her triumph possible, starting with her family and her team, whom she called her "inner circle."
"They're my inner circle. They're the ones who are putting in the work every day with me, who make me feel like I'm not enduring alone or putting in the hard work alone, because I know they're right there with me," she said.
She also thanked the medical staff who helped her get through the gruelling week, and the organizers who needed to work an extra day after inclement weather forced them to cancel the final on Sunday.
Eala had dropped the opening set and was ahead 2-1 when heavy rains prompted a stoppage of the match. After five hours, organizers announced that the match would be continued the next day.
"Moving the final by one day was no easy feat, but super memorable," said Eala.
Eala was of course effusive in her gratitude for the fans who cheered her on throughout her campaign.
"To all my supporters, thank you guys. Thank you to all my supporters, especially the Filipino community here in DC and back home, and wherever you are in the world," she said.
"I feel all the love, maraming, maraming salamat, mga kababayan."
Eala is now set to rise to No. 20 -- a new career-high -- after her triumph in Washington DC.
-- report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News