Alexandra Eala made history on Monday by capturing her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title at the Washington Open, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA event. The 21-year-old defeated top-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a final that was interrupted and completed the following day due to prolonged weather delays.

Eala, currently ranked 28th in the world, overcame a slow start after dropping the first set 6-4. The match had been suspended late Sunday when Eala was leading 2-1 in the second set. Play was halted after a total of nearly eight hours of rain delays, including a three-hour wait before the match initially began and a five-hour pause during play. The final resumed Monday, with both players determined to conclude the marathon contest.

Pegula, ranked third globally and seeking her 12th career title, managed to hold serve early on Monday, leveling the second set at 2-2. However, she was unable to break through Eala’s service games thereafter. Eala secured a crucial break in the 10th game, taking the second set 6-4 and setting up a decisive third set.

In the final set, Eala dominated, winning 6-0 and sealing her victory in a match that lasted a total of one hour and 45 minutes of playtime but nearly 24 hours from start to finish. The win capped a remarkable week for Eala, who also defeated several high-profile players en route to the final, including second-seeded Elina Svitolina, third-seeded former world number one Naomi Osaka, and defending champion Leylah Fernandez.

Monday’s win is expected to propel Eala to a career-high world ranking of No. 20. The match drew significant support for Eala, with enthusiastic fans cheering her on throughout the tournament. The weather disruptions also affected the concurrent ATP Washington Open final between Taylor Fritz and Rafael Jodar, which was postponed alongside the women’s final due to the rain.