Alex Eala sees improved self ahead rematch vs Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula and Alexandra Eala battle for the 2026 Mubadala Open title. Photos: Emilee Chinn / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala’s bid for her first WTA Tour title goes through one of the world’s best players in Jessica Pegula.

Eala meets Pegula for the first time since the American ended her dream run at the 2025 Miami Open after a grueling three-set battle in the semifinals.

READ: Alex Eala stuns Naomi Osaka, clinches DC Open final berth

This time, the stakes are even higher with the Mubadala DC Open title on the line.

That isn’t the only thing that’s different, with Eala believing she has become a better player after climbing to a career-high world ranking of No. 28.

“I think I would say if I compare myself now to then, I’m more well-rounded,” Eala said in an interview with Tennis Channel. “I think I’m physically a little better. I’ve improved on a couple of my strokes. I would say my forehand and serve have also improved quite a bit.”

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

If Eala’s breakthrough run in Miami pushed Pegula to the limit, the more polished version of the Filipino tennis star could pose an even tougher challenge for the world No. 3.

After all, Eala has proven she can stand toe-to-toe with the sport’s elite, beating six Top 10 players this season alone. In Washington, she has also knocked out defending champion Leylah Fernandez, second-seeded Elina Svitolina and third-seeded Naomi Osaka.

READ: Jessica Pegula expects ‘battle’ vs Alex Eala in DC Open final

But Eala also expects a different and improved version of Pegula, who is chasing her third WTA title of the year after triumphs in Dubai and Charleston.

“Each player is always evolving and improvement’s not a linear thing,” Eala said. “So every match is different. And I’m sure Jess has also changed so much in these 18 months. So it’s going to be great.”

Pegula also expects to be tested by Eala, believing her opponent is one of the players to watch on tour.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Pegula said of the final. “Alex, I’m a big fan of her. She’s the future of the tour and she’s already here.”

The final is scheduled for Monday, with the time yet to be determined.