Alex Eala feels the love in redemption win vs Alycia Parks to start Canadian Open
MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala has shown no signs of slowing down.
Fresh from capturing a breakthrough WTA Tour crown, Eala carved out a triumphant start to her Canadian Open campaign with a gutsy 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 win over Alycia Parks in the round of 64 on Wednesday, August 5 (Thursday, August, 6, Manila time).
Eala held her nerve when it mattered most this time as she avenged her loss to the American in their previous meeting, where the Filipina squandered a perfect start en route to a three-set loss in the first round of the Australian Open in January.
Buoyed by the raucous support of Filipino fans who packed the Centre Court of the Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Eala dominated Parks in the third set as she extended her winning streak after conquering her first WTA 500 title in the Washington Open.
“I’m eternally grateful. I just came off Washington so I really feel like this is a celebration,” said Eala, who’s now ranked No. 20 in the world.
“You know, my fellow Filipinos, I see you supporting me week after week. And week after week, I see how much you love your fellow Filipino, and that makes me incredibly proud to be Filipino. Thank you so much. I love you all,” she added in a mix of Filipino and English.
Once again dragged to a decider by world No. 71 Parks, Eala denied a repeat of their previous encounter as she broke a 2-2 deadlock and won the last four games to advance and arrange a round of 32 date with another American in Caty McNally.
Awarded a first-round bye as the 25th seed, Eala wrapped up the match in 1 hour and 51 minutes by sealing the victory with a hold to love, much to the delight of flag-waving Filipinos who have made her the talk of the tournament headlined by Canada’s own Leylah Fernandez.
“Thank you everybody who is here tonight. Thank you to everyone who’s supporting tennis and creating atmospheres like this. It’s really the pleasure of my life to experience these things,” said Eala.
Eala will face McNally for the first time on tour as she hopes to reach the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time since she reached the round of 16 of the Miami Open in March.
McNally, the world No. 70 player, pulled off a giant 7-6 (5), 6-1 upset of reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, clearing the path for Eala to avoid another clash with the Czech star who has beaten the Filipina twice before. – Rappler.com
