Alex Eala’s Winning Streak Ends with Loss to Belinda Bencic at National Bank Open

Alex Eala’s impressive run at the National Bank Open in Toronto came to a halt as she faced a 4-6, 0-6 defeat against Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16. This marks Eala’s first straight-sets loss since her earlier exit at the Bad Homburg Open against Elise Mertens, where she lost 3-6, 3-6. Additionally, this match concluded her seven-match winning streak during the North American hardcourt swing, the longest of her 21-year-old career.

The match began with both players holding serve comfortably, but trouble struck for Eala in her first service game. She committed two early double faults, a misstep that allowed Bencic to gain the upper hand and secure the first break, giving her a 2-1 lead. The exchanges continued, with Eala answering back to level the set, but Bencic swiftly regained control with her second break, extending her lead to 4-2.

Despite Bencic’s advantage, Eala showed resilience by breaking back in the eighth game, lifting the score to 4-4. However, Bencic responded by breaking Eala once more in the ninth game and solidifying her lead by winning the tenth game to clinch the first set. Key to Bencic’s success was her first-serve efficiency, winning 67% of her first-serve points compared to Eala’s 53%.

The second set mirrored the first, with Bencic immediately breaking Eala in the opening game and once again in the third, racing to a 3-0 lead. Eala struggled under pressure, with Bencic winning eight return points on her serve, and never relinquished control of the match, ultimately sealing a bagel in the second set.

Following this setback, Eala will shift her focus to the Cincinnati Open, set to commence on August 15, where she is anticipated to receive a first-round bye.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn