Alex Eala lauded by DC Open owner Ein, runner-up Pegula for packed crowds and title run

Alex Eala didn't just win her first WTA title in Washington — she won over the hearts of countless fans as well.

READ MORE | Alex Eala stuns Jessica Pegula in DC Open finals for first career WTA title

The 21-year-old star became the first Filipino to ever win a WTA Tour singles title and, along the way, also earned the admiration of tournament organizers, fellow players, and thousands of fans, with Mubadala DC Open owner Mark Ein and her finals opponent Jessica Pegula among those hailing the Filipina for not only her breakthrough title run but also the excitement and packed crowds she brought to the tournament.

Eala overcame a rain delay and a one-set deficit to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 stunner over Pegula, the tournament's top seed whose first-ever title back in 2019 came on the very same stage.

But beyond the trophy, Eala's greatest triumph may have been the connection she forged with her supporters from across the globe.

In Washington, spectators queued for hours to catch a glimpse of Eala in action while back home in the Philippines, thousands willingly traded sleep for the chance to witness history unfold.

"A few weeks before the event, our ticketing team called me and said, virtually all of the requests about players, and we had an incredible draw this year, were about Alex Eala," Ein said during the awarding ceremony.

"And boy, was it so great to have you and your following here at our tournament this year."

Pegula was equally impressed by the overwhelming support Eala received throughout the tournament as fans flocked to watch the young Filipina, who carved her path to the title by defeating an Olympic gold medalist, the defending DC Open champion, and the tournament's top three seeds.

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

"I want to congratulate Alex on an amazing week, an amazing tournament. I don't know how much more I can say, but you're an amazing player," Pegula, the top-seeded player, said.

"And just to see how far you've come over the last couple years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every single place you go. It's not fun to play against, but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere."

The 32-year-old Pegula even went on thanking the Filipino community for helping the sport grow.

"And again, even to all the Filipino fans that came out and supported, you guys are still helping grow tennis around the world," the world No. 3 said.

"And I appreciate that, being a female athlete, being in tennis. We love to see that grow. So thanks so much, everyone."

—JMB, GMA News