Alex Eala’s National Bank Open campaign is over after Belinda Bencic defeated the Filipina, 6-4, 6-0, in the Round of 16 on Monday morning.
Eala Battles Back in the Opener
Eala started brightly at Sobeys Stadium, holding serve in the opening game. Bencic, however, quickly asserted herself from the baseline.
The Swiss broke for a 2-1 lead, only for Eala to respond immediately and level at 2-2. Bencic regained control, moving ahead 3-2 and later 4-2. Eala fought back once more, breaking to tie at 4-4.
But Bencic’s composure proved decisive. She held for 5-4 and broke Eala in the next game to secure the set, 6-4, after 45 minutes.
Bencic Dominates the Second Set
With momentum on her side, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist raced to a 2-0 lead and never looked back. Her precise serving, sharp angles, and aggressive play overwhelmed Eala, who struggled to maintain the defensive consistency that had carried her through earlier rounds.
Bencic closed out the set 6-0, advancing to the quarterfinals after just over an hour of play.
The loss snapped Eala’s seven-match winning streak and ended her first WTA 1000 campaign since winning her maiden WTA 500 title in Washington last week.
Alex Eala Turns Her Attention to WTA 1000 Cincinnati
Although her Canadian Open run ended earlier than hoped, Alex Eala’s current form remains one of the highlights of her 2026 season. She won 10 of her previous 11 matches dating back to Wimbledon and captured her first WTA title just days before arriving in Toronto.
At the National Bank Open, she defeated Alycia Parks and Caty McNally before bowing out to Bencic.
Eala will now rest and recover before competing at the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open, scheduled from August 13 to 23, as she continues preparing for the US Open.
