Eala breaks through for Washington finals place

Alexandra Eala schooled four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in a battle of Asian aces, with the Filipina scoring a 6-4, 6-2 Saturday win into the WTA Washington final.

The 21-year-old who reached the second week of Wimbledon set another personal best by entering her first final at the 500 level and her first on hardcourt.

Eala will play for the trophy on Sunday at the pre-US Open event as she takes on top seed Jessica Pegula, a 7-5, 6-4 winner over Diana Shnaider in their semi-final in the US capitol.

Japan’s Osaka has yet to hit her stride several seasons after coming back to tennis as a new mother,

Pegula, 32, leads her series with Eala, winning their only previous meeting in Miami last season.

Eala knocked out here third seeded player of the week with her defeat of Osaka, who joined Leylah Fernandez and Elina Svitolina as a victim.

Oaska hit five aces but had the same number of double-faults, losing serve four times.

The Philippina winner lost her only previous final last season on grass in Eastbourne and has beaten six top 10 opponents in 2026.

Pegula, winner of 11 career titles, will bid for her third this season after Dubai and Charleston in the spring; the American will be paying her fourth final of 2026.

Main photo:-Alexandra Eala playing Wimbledon 2026 – by Roger Parker / ISF Ltd