World No. 3 Jessica Pegula secured her place in the final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open after rallying from an early deficit to defeat Russia’s Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-4 in Washington. The top-seeded American recovered from trailing 5-2 in the opening set before winning five consecutive games to seize control of the match.
Pegula admitted she needed time to adjust to Shnaider’s left-handed game but said improving her return of serve and playing more aggressively allowed her to turn the match around. The victory sends the American into her fourth WTA final of the 2026 season and keeps her on course for a third title this year after earlier triumphs in Dubai and Charleston.
In the championship match, Pegula will face Alexandra Eala of the Philippines, who produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2. The 21-year-old Eala reached her first-ever WTA 500 final and continued an impressive season that has already included several victories over top-10 players.
Pegula praised her upcoming opponent, calling Eala one of the brightest young talents on the WTA Tour and predicting a difficult final. Eala said she is excited for the opportunity and believes she has earned her place in the title match through consistent performances throughout the tournament.
The Washington final will feature experience against youth, with Pegula chasing the 12th WTA singles title of her career while Eala seeks the biggest trophy of her young professional career.
Sources: Reuters, WTA Tour.
