Alex Eala rises to career-high No. 20 in WTA rankings after DC Open title

Alexandra "Alex" Eala climbed eight spots to a career-high No. 20 in the WTA rankings after capturing the DC Open title on Monday (Tuesday, Philippine time).

The Filipina star began the tournament ranked No. 28 in the world. She defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, to secure the biggest title of her career.

Eala was already projected to rise to No. 25 after advancing to the semifinals with a quarterfinal victory over Elina Svitolina.

Her triumph in the WTA 500 event, however, earned her 500 ranking points, boosting her to No. 20 in the latest WTA rankings.

The WTA rankings are based on a rolling 52-week system, with players accumulating points according to their results in Grand Slams and WTA Tour events.

READ MORE | EXPLAINER: How are tennis rankings determined?

—JKC, GMA News