06/08/2026
Turnaround in Toronto: Eala secures first-ever win in Canada
Despite a quick turnaround from a title run in Washington DC, Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured her maiden win in Canada, topping American Alycia Parks at the National Bank Open in Toronto, 6-1 4-6 6-2.
There was no sign of wear and tear on the young Filipina, who played her opening match with Parks just a day after arriving in Toronto, and two days since winning the Mubadala DC Open title in the US.
Eala quickly strung five straight games from 1-1 in the opening frame, breaking Parks twice before comfortably serving out the set on her third set point, 6-1.
Parks lifted her game in the second set, leading most of the way then converting on her one earned break point to secure it, 6-4.
The 21-year-old Filipina, true to her penchant since the DC Open for closing out final sets quickly, opened the decider with a break. She then broke Parks two more times against a single break of serve from the American to take the set and match, 6-2.
The full-capacity crowd on Centre Court, which the tournament director himself said was sold out because of Eala, roared in appreciation of the Filipina's win.
Eala was greatly touched and obviously energized by the reception, as she thanked everyone during her on-court interview and expressed how pleased she was to represent the Philippine flag.
"I am eternally grateful. I mean, I just came off Washington, so I really feel like this is a celebration. And alam niyo, mga kababayan, linggo-linggo ko kayo nakikita. Sinusuportahan ako. Linggo-linggo ko nakikita kung gaano niyo kamahal ang kapwa nyo Pinoy. Kaya proud na proud na proud na proud ako rin maging Pinoy," she said.
"Maraming salamat, mga kababayan. Thank you to everyone who is here tonight. Thank you to everyone who's supporting tennis and creating atmospheres like this. It's really the pleasure of my life to experience these things."
Eala has now strung together six straight match wins since Washington. Tomorrow, she will take her skills to the doubles event when she teams up with tennis legend Venus Williams against the pairing of Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato.
Next in singles, Eala will face Caty McNally, who defeated Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.
Eala's matches are available on BlastTV and Premier Sports 2, as well as on the WTA TV app.
(Photos from Dyan Castillejo)
(Screenshot of Eala and Parks from National Bank Open)
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