Fresh off her historic DC Open triumph, Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala opened her 2026 Canadian Open campaign with a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 victory over American Alycia Parks in the first round of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open.
The victory sends Eala into the Round of 32 and serves as sweet revenge after Parks defeated her in their first career meeting at this year’s Australian Open.
Following the match, Eala thanked the large crowd of Filipino supporters who cheered her on throughout the tournament.
“I am eternally grateful,” Eala said.
She also expressed pride in representing the Philippines, saying she is inspired by the unwavering support of Filipinos wherever she competes.
“And you know, my 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,” Eala said in Filipino.
Eala next faces against another American, Catherine McNally, who upset Wimbledon champion and No. 6 seed Linda Noskova, 7-6(5), 6-1, for a spot in the Round of 16.
The win extends Eala’s impressive run this season, coming just days after she captured the DC Open crown—the first WTA Tour singles title ever won by a Filipino.
(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)
