“Everything was a blur”: Alexandra Eala explains how she escaped 5-1 deficit to stun Leylah Fernandez at DC Open

Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 04:30

Alexandra Eala once again showed her fighting spirit at the DC Open, surviving a 5-1 second-set deficit to defeat defending champion Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6(1) and continue her impressive run in Washington.

The victory continues an impressive summer run for Eala, who has repeatedly delivered against some of the biggest names in women’s tennis. After defeating reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the opening round in Washington, the 21-year-old followed it up by eliminating another major champion and proving once again that she can compete under pressure.

For Fernandez, the loss ended her attempt to defend the title she won last year in Washington. The Canadian appeared in control when she moved ahead 5-1 in the second set, but Eala refused to let the match slip away, winning six consecutive games to force a tiebreak before dominating the final stage.

“I really made an effort to stay in the moment, and I was ready for anything that could have happened,” Eala said to Tennis Channel after the match. “Everything’s kind of a blur right now. Luckily, well, it wasn’t a lot of luck, but luckily it went my way.”

“You can never count anybody out”: Eala explains her comeback mentality

The comeback was another example of the competitive mentality that has become one of Eala’s biggest strengths during her breakthrough season. Asked about her reputation as one of the biggest fighters on Tour, the Filipina admitted that resilience is simply part of her personality.

“I think it’s just part of my character,” Eala explained. “But then again, every single player here is a fighter. We’re here because we’re fighters, and so you can never count anybody out.”

Alex Eala

The result adds to a season that has already transformed Eala’s status in the sport. Earlier this year, she announced herself on the biggest stages by defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipina player to defeat a reigning Wimbledon champion.

Although that victory remains one of the highlights of her season, Eala has continued producing important results beyond that breakthrough moment. Her Washington campaign began with a comeback victory over Zheng Qinwen before she overcame Fernandez in another high-pressure battle.

Eala embraces responsibility as Filipino tennis pioneer

Beyond her results on court, Eala has also become one of the most followed players on the WTA Tour because of the significance of her journey. As the first Filipina player to reach this level in professional tennis, she understands the impact her success has on fans who previously had limited representation in the sport.

“I think with the platform that I have, it’s important for me to be aware of the impact that I hold,” Eala said. “I represent a lot. I represent a minority.”

The 21-year-old explained that the support she receives from Filipino fans around the world adds meaning to her career, while also acknowledging that expectations come with that position.

“There’s definitely pressure. I’m a competitive athlete, so there’s pressure,” she said. “But I think the obligation also comes to myself. I’m a very self-demanding person. I’m a very ambitious person.”

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Eala’s latest victory also continued her rapid rise in the rankings. Currently sitting at a career-high No. 28, the Filipina will break into the top 25 for the first time if she continues her run in Washington.

She will now await the winner of the match between second seed Elina Svitolina and Polina Kudermetova in the quarterfinals, with another opportunity to add a major victory to a breakthrough 2026 season.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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