Alex Eala marvels at Naomi Osaka after stunning win at DC Open

Alex Eala of the Philippines shakes hands with Naomi Osaka of Japan after a women’s singles match 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

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala grew up watching four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka.

On Sunday, the Filipino knocked off the former World No. 1 to advance to her first career WTA 500 final at the Mubadala DC Open.

Shortly after stunning the third-seeded Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, in their first-ever meeting, Eala couldn’t help but be in awe of the Japanese star.

The dream run continues for Alex Eala 💚#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/S4Mh4Acoax

— wta (@WTA) August 1, 2026

“She definitely has aura, and she definitely has power, I can tell you,” Eala said in an interview with the Tennis Channel.

The Filipino tennis ace even recalled the time watching the Grand Slam finals of Osaka, who won twice both in the Australian Open (2019 and 2021) and US Open (2018 and 2020).

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

READ: Alex Eala sees improved self ahead of Jessica Pegula rematch at DC Open final

The 28-year-old Osaka won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021 and ruled the US Open courts in 2018 and 2020.

Facing a proven winner in Osaka, Eala knew she needed to be at her best to prevail.

“I’m super proud of my performance. I think I played really well and I had a great mentality and I stayed locked in till the end,” she said.

Her return game was also key in beating Osaka.

“It really depends on the moment because there are so many factors when it comes to returning. What’s the situation? What are you looking for in the ball? And at the end of the day, you don’t know what serve is going to come at you. So you kind of have to be ready for anything. But I think whatever I try to do best, what I can control. So whatever I can control, I try to do my 100 percent,” Eala said.

Eala battles World No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Monday at 12 a.m., hoping to clinch her maiden WTA 500 title.

The 21-year-old Eala has been on a tear since reaching the round of 16 at Wimbledon.

She opened her DC campaign by rallying past Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, before ousting defending champion Leylah Fernandez, and sweeping second seed Elina Svitolina and Osaka to make the final.