At the Washington DC Open tennis tournament, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines won the women’s title, while Taylor Fritz of the United States won the men’s title.
Record-setting champion Eala
In the women’s singles final, Alexandra Eala defeated top-seeded American Jessica Pegula in sets of 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
With this, Eala became the first Filipino player to win a championship on the WTA Tour.
Previously, when this final was played on Saturday night, Pegula had taken the first set, and when Ella was leading 2-1 in the second set, play was interrupted by rain.
Later, in the match that resumed on Sunday night, Ella was trailing 3-4 in the second set, but she recovered from there and went on to win nine straight games to finish the match victorious.
Ella achieved this victory by defeating many of the main contenders in earlier rounds, including Elena Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Leylah Fernandez.
In addition, she has entered the top 20 in the world rankings for the first time.
“When I played in the first round of this tournament, I had absolutely no thought that I would win the title here. This champion trophy is a milestone in my tennis career. This victory in a tournament with 500 ranking points is very important” - Alexandra Eala
Eala’s path to victory...
First round: Qinwen Zheng (China) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
Second round: Leylah Fernandez (Canada) 6-2, 7-6 (7/1)
Quarterfinal: Elena Svitolina (Ukraine) 6-3, 6-4
Semifinal: Naomi Osaka (Japan) 6-4, 6-2
Final: Jessica Pegula (United States) 4-6, 6-4, 6-0
Fritz wins his 11th title
In the men’s singles final, local favorite Taylor Fritz, who was seeded third, defeated Spain’s Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. With this, Fritz has claimed his 11th tour title.
Fritz became the second American to win the Washington DC Open since 2008. The first American was Sebastian Korda (2024).
With this victory, Fritz has moved up to 8th in the world rankings. Having faced Rafael Jodar for the second time, Fritz has recorded his second win.
“First, I want to thank my team. Even though I have thanked them on many occasions recently, saying it from this victory podium is what truly makes it meaningful. Jodar made the final very difficult. He is a young player and will continue to improve” - Taylor Fritz
Fritz's path to victory...
First round Jisu Bergs (Belgium) 6-3, 6-4
Second round Kamil Majchrzak (Poland) 6-3, 6-4
Quarterfinal Alex Michelsen (USA) 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6)
Semifinal Brandon Nakashima (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Final Rafael Jodar (Spain) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4
Cash prize
Champion Ela received Rs. 2.39 crore, and Fritz received Rs. 4.38 crore as cash prizes. In addition, they each earned 500 ranking points.
