Alexandra Eala’s rise to the elite level has captured the tennis world after her breakthrough title at the Mubadala DC Open, while Jessica Pegula’s strong form has helped her cement her place as World No. 3. As both players continue to build their Grand Slam ambitions, four-time major champion Kim Clijsters believes their biggest strength is their exceptional mental toughness.
Clijsters Backs Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula for Grand Slam Glory, Praising Their Elite Mental Strength
Throughout the 2026 season, the American has put together a consistent campaign, reaching four finals and winning two titles, and rising to World No. 3.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Filipina captured her maiden WTA tour title at the Mubadala DC Open, and throughout the season, she defeated several Top 10 players, including Elena Rybakina, Iga Świątek, Naomi Osaka, and Elina Svitolina, and pulled off a stunning upset over Pegula herself in the final in Washington. Eala has surged to a career-high ranking of No. 20, proving she can go toe-to-toe with the very best.
The biggest dream for both of them must be the Grand Slams. Henley mentioned that, recently on “The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast,” Stubbs had criticized Pegula for her loss to Eala in Washington, citing a lack of confidence.
“Jessica Pegula checked out in the finals in Washington. She was just like, ‘I can’t deal with this,’ and she wasn’t playing that well, definitely wasn’t playing as well as she was on the Sunday,” Stubbs said. She also praised Belinda Bencic, who defeated Eala in the Round of 16, for ‘not checking out’ like Pegula.
However, Clijsters sees the exact opposite when she watches Eala and Pegula compete.
“I definitely think somebody like Eala because of the mindset. Jessy (Pegula) too; she’s so strong mentally,” Clijsters stated on the “Love All” podcast. “The way that they’re able to move side to side the ground strokes that they have, I definitely think they can win (Grand Slam). And I think maybe Eala not as much yet as Pegula, but I think Jessy believes that she can win a Grand Slam.”
Both Pegula and Eala had a brief setback at the Canadian Open in Toronto after strong runs in Washington. While Eala, who had won seven matches in a row, lost to Bencic, Pegula also exited in the same round after losing to Diana Shnaider in straight sets.
Both will now turn their attention to the Cincinnati Open, where they will look to regain their form and prepare for the last Grand Slam of the year.
