Overview
- Eala defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a final that resumed on Monday after heavy rain suspended play the day before.
- The 21-year-old beat a string of elite opponents in Washington, including Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina and Naomi Osaka on her way to the title.
- The win awarded Eala 500 WTA points and $252,000 and is projected to lift her into the WTA top 20, marking her first tour-level singles trophy.
- Her victory drew wide praise from tournament officials, Rafael Nadal and Filipino public figures and was fuelled by a large Filipino following in the stands.
- Eala will head to the Canadian Open next as a seeded player, with the title likely to raise expectations for deeper Grand Slam runs while commentators note serve power as an area to improve.