Alexandra Eala overcame Naomi Osaka to set up a mouthwatering showdown with Jessica Pegula in the Washington Open final.

Eala is on the hunt for her first WTA Tour title, and she has not dropped a set since the first round in the American capital after beating four-time grand slam champion Osaka 6-4 6-2.

The 21-year-old's victory was secured when Osaka sent a cross-court effort out of bounds, ensuring Eala became the first Filipina to reach a WTA 500-level final.

Standing in the way of Eala and a maiden trophy is Pegula, who is aiming to win the Washington Open for the second time.

The American beat Diana Shnaider 7-5 6-4.

Eala and Pegula have met once before, with the latter prevailing 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-3 in the semi-finals of last year's Miami Open.

"It's going to be a battle," Pegula said after her victory. "Alex, I'm a big fan of her. She's the future of the tour and she's already here."

Pegula's triumph in D.C. in 2019 marked her first win on the WTA Tour. She has since scooped a further 11 trophies, and is set to compete 

THAT DC FINALIST FEELING

Alex Eala defeats Osaka in straights to secure:
First 500 Level Final
First Hard-Court Final#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/A9fYNR1MCW

— wta (@WTA) August 1, 2026

Dream runs for young guns

Eala lost her only previous WTA Tour-level final, going down 6-4 1-6 7-6 (12–10) to Maya Joint at the Eastbourne Open final.

She has enjoyed a superb season so far, and from June, Eala has beaten Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina and now, Osaka.

Pegula, meanwhile, is out to join Mirra Andreeva and world number one Aryna Sabalenka as the only players to win three Tour-level titles in 2026.

Eala, however, is not the only youngster enjoying a dream run this week, with 16-year-old Kristina Liutova defeating Elvina Kalieva in straight sets to reach the final of the Memphis Classic.