Eala Fights Through Adversity to Stretch Winning Streak in Toronto

Alexandra Eala may be running on fumes after her title run in Washington, D.C. but she still refuses to lose. On Friday night in Toronto, the Filipino trailblazer stretched her career-best winning streak to seven victories with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Caty McNally that lasted 2 hours, 39 minutes and had Eala feeling relieved at the finish line. 

“I think this match was really challenging for me,” she said after reaching the round of 16 in Toronto for the first time. “I think the whole two weeks, I guess, have been very challenging. Each match that I’ve played has presented its unique set of challenges.

“Today, obviously it was really close. I’m really, of course I’m feeling the effects of just everything.”

Eala, playing at a career-high ranking of No.20 and enjoying the incredible vibes that her passionate fan base have created for her in Canada, will face Belinda Bencic in the round of 16. 

Bencic battled past Taylor Townsend in a three hour and 24-minute struggle, 6-7(5) 7-6(4) 6-4. Eala and Bencic have never played before. 

“Of course Belinda, she has accomplished so much in tennis,” Eala said. “Of course, I remember watching her win the Olympic medal, so I think I’m really excited to be on court again.” 

Eala was pushed physically in the contest and had a scare when she rolled her ankle during the second set against McNally. 

“Today, physically, it pushed me a lot,” she said. “I have a lot of matches in the bag. But that goes for good and bad. I think this is also a learning process. We’re athletes. So that kind of physical is like a huge part of our job.” 

After dropping the second set Eala scored the early break in the third and never let it go. She improved to 30-17 with the win. 

In other action on Friday in Toronto, Coco Gauff took care of Maria Sakkari, 6-1, 6-4, while Mirra Andreeva was upset by Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, 6-1 6-4. 

Fernandez will face Naomi Osaka, who cruised past Elise Mertens, 6-1, 6-2.