Alexandra Eala’s journey at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers has sadly reached its conclusion.
This emerging Filipino talent faced a tough defeat, bowing out with a 6-4, 6-0 match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on Sunday night in Toronto.
The loss marked the end of an impressive seven-match win streak for the 21-year-old Eala, which notably included her triumphant victory at the DC Open last Monday, making her the first player from the Philippines to clinch a tour-level title.
Bencic, the tournament’s 12th seed, proved to be a formidable opponent, registering only six unforced errors throughout the match—the lowest for her in a singles WTA-1000 event this season.
The Swiss star will now face off against world No. 4 Coco Gauff from the United States in the quarterfinals.
Throughout her time in Toronto, Eala enjoyed overwhelming support from the crowd, with a large turnout from the Filipino community cheering her on.
As she exited the court, she was met with a standing ovation from her fans.
“The atmosphere this whole week has been absolutely amazing,” Eala reflected after the match. “Words can’t fully capture the feeling of being in that stadium, surrounded by so much support and love. I am incredibly thankful for the experiences I’ve gained here in Toronto; it’s been an unforgettable debut. These memories will stay with me for a long time.”
Despite the setback, her performance in Toronto was noteworthy, signaling that she is poised to be a significant presence on the tour for years to come.
