Metro Manila, Philippines — Alex Eala defeated world No. 13 Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, to book a place in the final of the Mubadala DC Open and become the first Filipino to reach a WTA 500 singles final on Sunday, Aug. 2.

The match marked Eala’s first career meeting with Osaka, the former world No. 1.

“I think I played really well, I had a great mentality, and I stayed locked in until the end,” Eala said in her post-match interview.

Eala credited Osaka for her “aura” and remarkable power.

“I remember watching her finals at the Australian Open and also at the US Open, so it was really a great experience to share the court with her. I’m really happy that I was able to produce that level against her,” Eala said.

In the biggest final of her career so far, the 21-year-old Filipina star will face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match at around midnight (Philippine time) on Monday, Aug. 3.

Eala, ranked No. 28 in the world, will be looking to avenge her loss to Pegula, who won in their 2025 Miami Open semis duel, 7-6, 5-7, 6-3.

“If I compare myself now to then, I’m more well-rounded. I think I’m physically a little better, and I’ve improved on a couple of my strokes,” Eala said of her upcoming rematch with Pegula.

“But then again, each player is always evolving, and improvement is not a linear thing, so every match is different. I’m sure Jess has also changed so much in these 18 months, like you said, so it’s going to be great,” she added.

The Filipina earlier scored a landmark 6-3, 6-4 victory over world No. 10 Elina Svitolina to secure her place in the semifinals. It was Eala’s sixth win over a top-10 opponent this season—the most by any player currently ranked outside the world’s top 10.