Alexandra Eala defeats Naomi Osaka to book WTA final against Jessica Pegula

Alexandra Eala continued her breakout season by overcoming Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach the Washington Open final, where she will meet Jessica Pegula. The 21-year-old Filipino, who started the year ranked beyond the top 50, is set to rise to a new career peak of 24th in the world rankings. Eala's path to the final included wins over second seed Elina Svitolina and 2025 champion Leylah Fernandez, highlighting her six top-10 victories this season, including a Wimbledon upset of Iga Swiatek.

Osaka fell 6-4, 6-2 as Eala served strongly, winning 71% of first-serve points. Pegula, the current world No. 3, called Eala "the future of the tour" and will look to claim her first WTA title in the Sunday final. In the men's draw, Taylor Fritz will contest the title against rising Spaniard Rafael Jodar.