WTA Alexandra Eala Naomi Osaka jessica pegula WTA Washington 2026

Eala takes it very seriously: she defeats Osaka and will fight for her first title against Pegula

Andrés Tomás Rico - 2 Aug 2026
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Eala takes it very seriously: defeats Osaka and will fight for her first title against Pegula.

Alexandra Eala is going to cause a frenzy in the Philippines. The 21-year-old continues to take giant steps and is positioning herself to achieve great things on this North American hardcourt tour. So far, she has reached the final of the WTA Washington 2026 after defeating none other than Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2, after an hour and 18 minutes. She will fight for her first official title against Jessica Pegula.

Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula will battle for the title of WTA 500 Washington 2026

“I am still focused. I don't think it's over yet. I'm super happy. I think I played really well. It was a very significant match for me to compete against a great player. The truth is, I have been really happy sharing the court with Naomi. It's such a great honor to share the court with her.  I could never underestimate her. I had to stay focused. I made it my goal to stay focused, which is why I am still in this competitive mode. I need time to process it,” said Eala at the end of the match, making history for the Philippines by achieving the first final of a WTA 500 for her country. And as if that weren't enough, she will leave Washington with her best ranking, specifically as the number 24 in the world. However, if she wins the trophy, she will rise to the 21st position.

However, in the grand final, she will face Jessica Pegula, who continues to prove that she is the most consistent player on the WTA tour after recording her 38th victory of the year, more than anyone else. The latest came after defeating Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-4, after an hour and 27 minutes. In this way, the world number three will play her fourth final of the year and will fight for her third title of the season.

Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula will play their second meeting. The first was won by the American in the semifinals of the Miami Open 2025 by 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3). In fact, it was in that tournament where the Filipina made a name for herself and will try to even the head-to-head in a historic opportunity for her and her country.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala va muy en serio: tumba a Osaka y luchará por su primer título ante Pegula