Alexandra Eala of the Philippines hugs Jessica Pegula of the United States after winning the women's singles championship match 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
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula was all praises for Alex Eala after the young Filipina outplayed her in the final of the Mubadala DC Open, congratulating her not only for her historic victory but also her role in the growth of their sport.
Eala claimed her maiden WTA title in sensational fashion, dismantling Pegula in the final set for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 triumph on Monday (early Tuesday in Manila).
READ: Alex Eala turns back Pegula, makes history with DC Open title
The victory over the tournament's top seed made Eala the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA title.
"I wanna congratulate Alex on an amazing week, an amazing tournament. I don't know how much more I can say, but you're an amazing player," said Pegula.
Pegula had beaten Eala when they first played in the semifinals of the Miami Open last year, with the American putting an end to what had been Eala's breakout campaign in the WTA tour.
But Eala turned the tables in Washington DC, unleashing an array of shots that kept Pegula guessing particularly in the deciding set.
"Just to see how far you've come over the last couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every single place you go -- it's not fun to play against, but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere, I do," said Pegula.
"I think it's amazing, so congrats."
Eala's fans made themselves heard all week long, especially as the Filipina racked up win after win in the tournament. Before stunning Pegula in the finals, Eala had already ousted defending champion Leylah Fernandez, world no. 10 Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Pegula believes that the passionate support of Filipino fans bodes well not just for Eala, but for their sport as a whole.
"To all the Filipino fans that came out and have supported, you guys are still helping grow tennis around the world," she said. "I appreciate that, being a female athlete, being in tennis. We love to see that grow, so thanks so much, everyone."
READ: Eala grateful for support in triumphant DC Open campaign
The owner of the Mubadala DC Open, Mark Ein, also highlighted the interest in Eala's matches and praised the crowd for showing up even on a Monday.
"[The] people who spend their life on the tennis tour, they said this might be the greatest crowd for a Monday final anyone's ever seen," he said.
Eala's rise has led to a surge of interest in tennis in the Philippines, with the country hosting a WTA 125 tournament in January that drew huge crowds even when the Filipina was not playing.
After her victory over Pegula, congratulations poured in on social media -- with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. among those hailing her latest achievement.
"Congratulations on yet another historic achievement," said Marcos. "You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits."
The Filipina is set to rise to a new career-best of No. 20 after her DC Open triumph.