FILIPINO tennis sensation Alex Eala will begin her 2026 Australian Open campaign against American Alycia Parks in the first round on Sunday, at Melbourne Park, Australia.
The 20-year-old Eala, who ranked a career-high No. 49 in the world rankings after reaching the semifinals of the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, earned a direct entry in the Australian Open for making the top 50.
The 25-year-old Parks, on the other hand, is ranked 100th in the world.
Parks peaked at No. 40 in the rankings last Aug. 14, 2023, after winning her first WTA singles title in the 2023 Lyon Open.
Parks is known for her “killer serves,” holding a record of 129 mph that she set in the 2021 US Open, the fastest service recorded by a woman in US Open history, matching the mark set by Venus Williams in 2007.
Eala, on the other hand, is known for her left-handed forehand movement and tactical counterpunch.
Eala stands 5-foot-9, while the American is taller at 6-foot-1.
