Alex Eala stuns Naomi Osaka, clinches DC Open final berth

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates after winning a women’s singles match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day six of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala booked her place in the final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open after dismantling third-seeded Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, in their first career meeting on Sunday.

Eala reached the first WTA 500 final of her career on the strength of three consecutive straight-set victories in Washington. She now faces world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match.

She showed no fear against Osaka, who won all four of her Grand Slam titles on hard courts, breaking early for a 2-1 lead in the opening set.

READ: LIVE: Alex Eala vs Naomi Osaka – Mubadala DC Open semifinals

Osaka won three of the next four games to move ahead 4-3, but Eala, who has produced remarkable comebacks throughout the tournament, closed out the set by winning three straight games after racing to 40-0 in each.

Eala, currently ranked world No. 28, carried the momentum into the second set, opening with a break before holding to love a 2-0 lead. Osaka stayed within striking distance, trailing at 3-2 after saving multiple break points, but Eala responded with a massive hold before breaking serve once more.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot during a women’s singles match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day six of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

The Filipino tennis star raced to a 40-0 lead while serving for the match in the eighth game and, despite Osaka threatening to force deuce, closed it out in straight sets.

“I’m super, super happy.  I think I played really well. And of course, it’s such a meaningful match against a great player,” Eala said.  So, really happy to share the court with Naomi.” 

Eala took advantage of Osaka’s error-filled outing, with the Japanese star committing 18 unforced errors to Eala’s 10.

“I guess it was just the way I approached today’s match. You could never count her out, you know. And like I said, I made it a point to be so locked in,” Eala said.

Eala continued her impressive run after a tremendous grass-court season, taking down Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second-seeded Elina Svitolina and now Osaka to reach only her second WTA Tour final since the 2025 Lexbourne Open.

She now has a chance to capture her first WTA Tour title when she faces Pegula.

“I think I just have to trust myself. I’m in the final for a reason.  She (Pegula) is such an amazing player also for a reason, So, I think it’s going to be a really good match,” Eala said.