Alex Eala becomes first Filipina to claim a WTA title with Washington crown

The 21-year-old dropped a tight, back-and-forth first set 6-4 on Sunday before the contest was called off for the day due to rain and lightning in the American capital, with Pegula trailing 1-2 in the second.

But when the encounter resumed on Monday afternoon, it was a very different story as Eala's pressure told as the former US Open finalist dropped the second 6-4.

All the momentum was with the unseeded player in the decider, with the left-hander grabbing an early break, and she never looked back as she won 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

The 21-year-old was able to win her first WTA title at a canter, by bagelling Pegula in the deciding set, much to the delight of the Filipino-heavy crowd in Washington.

Speaking after the match, Eala said: "Good afternoon everyone. Oh my gosh, where do I start? First of all, of course, first and foremost congratulations Jessie for an amazing week and you've had an amazing season. It's always a pleasure to share the court with you, I definitely learn so, so much.

"Especially from your forehand line and your backhand crosses. I'm really looking forward to hopefully many more finals with you. There's a long list of people I want to thank and the top of that list is my family, my mum, my dad, my brother.

"My team, Joan, who is over there. You and Sandro, thank you guys. There are my inner circle, they are the ones who are putting in the work every day with me. Who make me feel like I'm not putting in the hardwork alone because I know they're right there with me, so thank you guys.

"I want to thank the medical staff here, and the WTA medical staff, and the tournament medical staff for helping me throughout the week. I want to thank the tournament, Mark, and the sponsors Mubadala for such an accommodating week. Amazing tournament and moving the final to Monday was no easy feat, but super memorable, so congratulations on a great tournament.

"And of course, to all my supporters, so thank you guys. Thank you to all my supporters, especially the Filipino community here in DC, back home, and wherever you are in the world.

"I really thank you guys, I feel all the love. Before the final yesterday, I got so many messages from my family and friends, who are on tour wherever else in the world.

"And I thought to myself, I feel so much love, so standing here in the middle of all this love, my first chance at the title. Knowing it won't be my last, having already achieved this feat and this milestone for my career.

"I know whatever would have happened after this match, it would have already been a win for me. Thank you everybody and I really look forward to seeing you guys again."

Eala has entered the top 20 of the WTA Tour rankings for the first time in her career thanks to her maiden success at WTA-level. 

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