DOWN 1-5 in the second set, Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala launched a massive comeback en route to a 6-2, 7-6(1) upset victory over reigning champion and Filipina-Canadian Leylah Fernandez in their round of 16 match of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open early Thursday morning (PH time).
Coming off her earlier upset victory over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, Eala carried her momentum into the round of 16 and controlled the opening set with an aggressive all-around game.
Fernandez fought back in the second set as she surged to a 5-1 start, but Eala countered with five consecutive games won to take a 6-5 edge before the former forced a tiebreak.
Eala stayed composed in the tiebreak and closed out the contest 7-1 to book another milestone victory.
Despite not firing an ace, the Filipina made the most of her opportunities, converting four of her nine breakpoint chances while winning 79 total points compared to Fernandez’s 61.
Eala also proved more efficient behind her serve, winning 67 percent of her first-serve and 65 percent of her second-serve.
The victory sends the 21-year-old Filipina into the quarterfinals of the tournament as she continue her strong campaign in Washington. (Adrian Co)
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