FILIPINA tennis ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala braces for another American opponent, Caty McNally, in the round of 32 of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open on Saturday morning (Manila time) at Sobeys Stadium Centre Court in Toronto, Canada.
Eala, the newly crowned Washington Open queen, needs to be wary of world No. 70 McNally as she came off an upset win over No.7 Linda Noskova of Czechia, 7-6(5), 6-1, on Thursday.
Eala, ranked No. 20 in the world, received a first-round bye but was challenged by American Alycia Parks in round of 64 as she was forced to dig deep to prevail in a three-set duel, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday.
“I think I had to take it point by point, of course. I think Alycia played really well in the second, and there are definitely things I could have done a little better,” the 21-year-old Eala said during the post-game presser.
“So I tried to improve on that in the third. I tried to come out hot, and just take all the opportunities that I could, because you know, she doesn't really give you much. But yeah, that's what I was thinking,” she added.
Eala also acknowledged she grappled for form against Parks because she only had two days to collect herself for her campaign opener in Toronto after topping the Washington Open.
“Definitely, not easy, I think. You know, transitioning from one tournament to another so soon, and after, you know, a lot of emotions that I've experienced the past, I guess, what, 48 hours. So I'm really proud of myself, and hopefully I can keep the ball rolling,” she said.
But more than the ability to recover on time, Eala wants to make sure to make a gallant stand for her Filipino fans who helped sell out the venue in Toronto.
“Of course, out there, I felt very at home. With all the people supporting me, and, you know, I hope that they enjoyed the tennis. I hope that they enjoyed the grounds, and, you know, they can see, you know, all of these great matches and experience it, and, you know, want to come back,” she said.
The 24-year-old McNally, meanwhile, will not be an easy prey for Eala.
The American is a doubles specialist with nine WTA doubles titles, sharing three of them with compatriot Coco Gauff.
McNally peaked at No.50 in the singles rankings and No.11 in doubles.
Entering the match, McNally carries a 14-8 win-loss record for 2026 while Eala has a 35-18 season record.
The right-handed McNally was known for her net play and volleying, while the left-handed Eala gained recognition for her aggressive and dangerous returns.
