MANILA — Riding the momentum of her breakthrough WTA title, Alexandra Eala kept her red-hot form intact by avenging an earlier defeat to American Alycia Parks, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, to storm into the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto on Thursday.
Fresh from becoming the first Filipina to capture a WTA 500 singles crown at the Mubadala DC Open, the 21-year-old No. 25 seed overcame Parks’ powerful serving game to earn a Round of 32 berth in the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament while gaining revenge for her three-set opening-round loss to the American at the 2026 Australian Open.
Eala dominated the opening set by breaking Parks three times for a commanding 6-1 win before the American fought back behind her booming serve to take the second set, 6-4.
The Filipina quickly regained control in the deciding set, dictating rallies from the baseline and capitalizing on timely service breaks to wrap up a convincing 6-2 victory and extend her winning streak following her historic triumph in Washington.
Despite facing 10 aces from Parks, Eala neutralized the American’s firepower with solid returns and converted five of her 14 break-point opportunities. She also won 71 percent of her first-serve points and finished with 86 total points compared to Parks’ 71.
After the victory, Eala thanked the Filipino supporters who packed Sobeys Stadium and expressed pride in the unwavering support she continues to receive from her countrymen around the world.
“Alam niyo, kababayan, linggo-linggo ko kayong nakikita na sinusuportahan ako. Linggo-linggo kong nakikita kung gaano niyo kamahal ang kapwa niyo Pinoy. Kaya proud, na-proud, na-proud, na-proud ako din maging Pinoy. Maraming salamat, mga kababayan. Mahal ko kayong lahat,” she said.
Eala will face another American, Caty McNally, in the third round on Saturday after McNally upset Czech Linda Noskova, 7-6, 6-1.
Before returning to singles action, Eala is set to reunite with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the doubles competition this morning against the pair of Liudmila Samsonova and Miya Kato./PN
