Alexandra Eala launched her 2026 DC Open campaign with a comeback victory. Down a set and a break to Qinwen Zheng, the world No. 28 fought back to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in Monday's first round.
Alexandra Eala Overcomes Set Deficit to Defeat Qinwen Zheng
The match shifted at 4-4 in the second set. Zheng had just taken Eala's serve without dropping a point and looked in control. But the 21-year-old answered with a break of her own, then reeled off seven straight games to take the set and build a 4-0 lead in the third.
Zheng, a former No. 4 now ranked No. 123, halted the run with a late break. But her opponant broke right back to seal the win.
It was Eala's first victory over Zheng on the WTA Tour, evening their head-to-head at 1-1. Their only prior meeting came at the 2023 Asian Games, where Zheng won in three sets.
Eala vs Leylah Fernandez Kicks Off Today's 2026 DC Open Slate
Next up at the 2026 DC Open, Eala faces defending champion Leylah Fernandez. Tournament chairman Mark Ein noted that over 80% of recent ticket inquiries asked when Eala would play, a testament to her growing reach well beyond the Philippines.
