Just In: Tennis Fans Get Emotional as Every Emotional Word from Alexandra Eala’s Champion’s Speech After Winning the Washington Open Title Is Revealed
Alexandra Eala is a top-20 ranked player on the WTA Tour.
The Filipina prodigy produced a stunning comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula in a rain-delayed Washington Open final on Monday, triumphing 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
Eala has now defeated seven top-10 ranked opponents this year and has risen to 14th in the WTA Finals race following her efforts in Washington.
Most importantly, she has become the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour title.
Eala offered her reaction to the historic victory during her post-match remarks, displaying a level of grace and decorum that has become customary for the 21-year-old.
Alexandra Eala says she has ‘felt the love’ from her Filipino fans after winning the Washington Open
“First of all, congratulations Jessie for an amazing week,” Eala told her defeated opponent on the Stadium Court. “You have had an amazing season.
“It’s always a pleasure to share the court with you, I learnt so much, especially from your forehand lines and backhand crosses. I am looking forward to many more finals with you.
There is a long list of people I want to thank,” the Filipina continued. “At the top of the list is my family, my Mum, my Dad, my brother, my team, Joanne, who is over there. You and Sandro, thank you guys. They are my inner circle.
They are the ones who are putting in the work every day with me. Who make me feel I am not enduring alone or putting in the hard work alone as I know they are right there with me, so thank you guys.
“I want to thank the medical staff here and the WTA medical staff and the tournament ones, for helping me throughout the week.
“I want to thank the tournament and sponsors for such an amazing week. Moving the final to Monday was no easy feat but it was super memorable, so congratulations on a great tournament.”
Eala then turned her attention to the Filipino fans present in the crowd, thanking the Filipino community for their fervent support throughout the last week.
Alex Eala’s run to the Washington Open title
- R1: defeated Qinwen Zheng 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
- R2: defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6
- QF: defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4
- SF: defeated Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2
- F: defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0
And, of course, to all my supporters – thank you guys,” said Eala. “Especially the Filipino community here in DC and back home and wherever you are in the world. I feel all the love.
“Before the final yesterday actually, 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 a title, knowing it won’t be my last and already having achieving this milestone for my career, I knew whatever happened after this match it would have already been a win for me.
“So thank you everybody, I really look forward to seeing you guys again,” she concluded.
Alex Eala’s ranking this time last year
On August 3, 2025, Eala was ranked outside of the top 50 on the WTA Tour.
Specifically, the Filipina was ranked 65th.
Eala rose from 69th to 65th in the rankings on July 28, 2025, despite losing in the Canadian Open first round to Marketa Vondrousova
Eala went on to finish the year ranked 53rd on the circuit following some impressive results during the latter third of the season.
The youngster recorded her first Grand Slam victory at the US Open, won her first WTA title in Guadalajara, and reached the semi-finals of another WTA event in Jingshan, China.
