Alex Eala Advances to Third Round of National Bank Open After Defeating Alycia Parks

Alex Eala continued her impressive performance at the National Bank Open in Toronto, defeating Alycia Parks with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 on Wednesday (Thursday morning PST). This victory propels Eala into the third round of the tournament and maintains her perfect 6-0 record during her North American hard-court swing, which includes her recent title win at the Mubadala DC Open.

The match also marked a significant moment for Eala, as she avenged her previous defeat to Parks at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she lost 6-0, 3-6, 2-6. “I am eternally grateful,” Eala expressed post-match, showcasing her excitement in front of enthusiastic fans waving flags. “I mean, I just came off Washington, so I really feel like this is a celebration.”

Eala acknowledged the unwavering support from her fellow Filipinos: “I see you every single week supporting me. Week after week, I witness just how much you love our country and what it means to be Filipino. That’s why I’m so, so, so incredibly proud to be a Filipino myself. Thank you so much, my fellow Filipinos. I love you all,” she said in Filipino. Eala also extended her gratitude to those supporting tennis and fostering vibrant atmospheres at matches.

The match began with both players holding serve through the initial three games, but Eala shifted momentum in the fourth by breaking Parks’ serve. As the 25th seed following her recent triumph in Washington, Eala quickly seized control, breaking Parks a second time in the sixth game and serving confidently to win the first set 6-1 in just 31 minutes. Parks managed to hit four aces but struggled with 18 unforced errors compared to Eala’s seven, who focused on rallying and capitalizing on her opponent’s mistakes.

Parks improved in the second set, with both players holding serve through the first few games. However, Eala’s aggressive returning put Parks under pressure in the third game. Despite facing break points, Parks leveraged her strong serves to edge ahead and eventually broke Eala in the tenth game to take the set 6-4.

In the deciding set, Eala quickly reestablished her dominance with an early break. After Parks leveled the match at 2-2, Eala increased her intensity, breaking Parks again and maintaining her lead. Eala ultimately secured her victory with another break and served out the match.

Eala’s next challenge will be against Catherine McNally, who upset Wimbledon champion and sixth seed Linda Noskova, 7-6(5), 6-1, to earn her spot in the Round of 16.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn