MANILA, Philippines — Not even multiple delays caused by persistent rains could stop Alexandra "Alex" Eala from claiming her first Tour-level title at the 500 Mubadala D.C. Open in Washington.
Down a set before the final was halted due to rains Monday, World No. 28 Eala came out with guns blazing in the resumption on Tuesday to turn back No. 3 and tournament top seed Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center Stadium Court.
Eala could not be stop in the decider as she overwhelmed Pegula with a bagel to avenge her semifinal defeat to the American at the Miami Open semifinal last year, 6-7, 5-7, 3-6.
Eala clinched the match with a forehand that Pegula returned outside.
