Fresh off the biggest triumph of her career, Alex Eala proved there would be no championship hangover.
Just two days after capturing her first WTA 500 title in Washington, the Filipina tennis sensation opened her 2026 National Bank Open campaign with another impressive victory, defeating American Alycia Parks, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, in the second round on Thursday morning.
Alex Eala, Alycia Parks Go Tit-for-Tat
Alex Eala opened the National Bank Open carrying plenty of momentum after her historic WTA 500 run in Washington, and she immediately showed why she is one of the hottest players on tour.
Using consistency and superb returning, Eala neutralized Parks’ booming serve early. She broke the American twice and forced numerous errors to dominate the opening set, 6-1, in just over half an hour.
Parks, however, refused to go quietly.
The American rediscovered the power that troubled Eala during their Australian Open meeting earlier this year, firing aces and protecting her serve throughout the second set. With the score locked at 4-4, Parks earned her first break of the match before serving it out to level the contest. The world No. 71 took the second set, 6-4, to push the match into a decider.
Unlike their encounter in Melbourne, though, Eala had an answer this time.
Alex Eala Shows Championship Composure in Deciding Set
The third set showcased the confidence and maturity the 21-year-old Filipina has developed during her breakthrough season.
The Quezon City native wasted no time breaking Parks in the opening game before holding comfortably for a 2-0 lead. Although Parks battled back to even the set at 2-2, Eala never lost her composure.
She immediately wrestled back momentum with another break, then strung together four consecutive games to close out the match in one hour and 51 minutes.
Her ability to absorb Parks’ power, extend rallies, and capitalize on key opportunities ultimately proved decisive as she secured another hard-earned victory.
After the match, Eala acknowledged the loud Filipino supporters in attendance, who once again created a home-like atmosphere just days after backing her throughout her memorable Washington title run.
Caty McNally Next
With the victory, the Rafa Nadal Academy now advances to the third round of the National Bank Open, where she will meet world No. 70 Caty McNally.
McNally earned her place in the Round of 32 after producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, defeating seventh seed Linda Noskova in straight sets.
Before returning to singles action, Eala is also scheduled to compete in doubles alongside seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams as the pair begin their campaign in Toronto.
Alex Eala Next Matches
WTA 1000 National Bank Open
Main Draw — Round of 32 — Doubles
Alex Eala and Venus Williams vs. Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova
August 7, Friday — 8:10 a.m. (Estimated time)
Main Draw — Round of 32 — Singles
Alex Eala vs. Caty McNally
August 8, Saturday — (Time to be determined)
