Alexandra Eala sensationally defeated Naomi Osaka with a score of 6-4, 6-2 on Saturday, earning her a spot in the women's final of the WTA and ATP Washington Open. In the final, Eala will face Jessica Pegula, who ranks third.
The 21-year-old left-handed tennis player from the Philippines achieved an impressive victory over the multiple Grand Slam champion from Japan, thereby advancing to the second WTA final. Previously, she lost her first final in Eastbourne last year.
After the match, Eala shared her impressions, noting: 'I am very proud of my game. I played really well, I had a great mentality, and I maintained concentration until the very end.'
Eala, whose world ranking is vying for the 24th spot, previously beat Elina Svitolina, who was ranked second, and secured her sixth top-10 win this year after defeating Washington champion Leila Fernandez. This match marked the first meeting between Asian stars, where Eala faced one of her idols from youth.
Speaking about Osaka, Eala noted her aura and strength, recalling watching her finals at the Australian Open and US Open: 'She definitely has an aura and definitely has strength. I remember watching her finals at the Australian Open and US Open, so it was a truly wonderful experience to share the court with her. I am very happy that I could show such a level against her.'
Osaka, ranked 13th, failed to secure her eighth WTA title and her first since winning the Australian Open in 2021. She admitted that the main reason for the defeat was the large number of her own errors: 'I made many unforced errors, so that is probably one of the main reasons (for the loss),' said Osaka.
In the other semi-final, Jessica Pegula, aiming for her 12th WTA title and her third this year, defeated Diana Snyder from Russia with a score of 7-5, 6-4. Pegula commented on the upcoming final: 'It will be a battle. Alex, I am a big fan of hers. She is the future of the tour, and she is here already.'
Pegula, who won her first WTA title in Washington in 2019, trailed Snyder 5-2, but the 32-year-old American favorite managed to come back into the game to reach her fourth final this year. Pegula is a semifinalist at the Australian Open this year and has already won titles in Dubai and Charleston this season.
More comprehensively prepared
Previously, Pegula defeated Eala in the Miami semi-final in 2025, which was their only encounter in their careers. Eala commented on her game then and now, stating: 'I am more comprehensively prepared. Physically, I am slightly better. I have improved several of my shots. My serve has also significantly improved.'
In the men's final, American tennis player Taylor Fritz, ranked 10th, will meet 19-year-old Spanish player Rafael Nadal. Fritz hit 13 aces, defeating his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima, ranked 33rd, with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Fritz, who is aiming for his 11th career ATP title and his first in Eastbourne since last year, said: 'I dug very deep just to hold on.'
Nadal, confident of reaching the top 20 ranking next week, defeated Alejandro Tabilo from Chile with a score of 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-4. Despite losing the tense first set, Nadal maintained his composure and took the initiative, winning a break and bringing the score to 4-3 in the second set. He defeated Tabilo to start the third set and advanced to the final, getting a chance for his second ATP title after winning in Morocco in April.
