Alex Eala beats Alycia Parks, advances to Canadian Open third round

Alexandra "Alex" Eala booked her place in the third round of the Canadian Open after defeating Alycia Parks, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, in their Round of 64 match on Wednesday (Thursday, Philippine time).

Eala dominated the opening set, but Parks responded in the second as the two traded games before the American held serve in the final moments to force a deciding third set.

The Filipina quickly regained control, racing to a 2-0 lead in the decider. Parks fought back to level the set at 2-2, but Eala answered with four straight games to seal the victory and continue her impressive run after winning the DC Open last Monday (Tuesday, Philippine time).

"Kumusta tayo ngayon, Toronto? Iwagayway n'yo nga ang mga bandila n'yo," a jubilant Eala told the crowd after her win.

"There are so many Filipinos in the crowd tonight, so many flags, thank you!"

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Eala thanked those who watched the game and supported her.

"I am eternally grateful. I just came off Washington so I feel that this is a celebration. Kababayan, linggo-linggo ko kayong nakikita, sinusuportahan ako. Linggo-linggo ko nakikita gaano n'yo kamahal ang kapwa n'yo Pinoy kaya proud na proud ako maging Pinoy," she added.

The win also served as revenge for Eala's loss to Parks in the first round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Awaiting Eala in the third round of the Canadian Open is American Caty McNally.

Eala, however, will see action first in the doubles tournament with Venus Williams on Thursday (Friday, Philippine time).

HIGHLIGHTS | Alex Eala vs Alycia Parks (Canadian Open Round of 64)

Alex Eala's Season recap (singles)

North American swing

• DC Open — Champion

Grass-court swing

• Wimbledon (Grand Slam) — Round of 16
• Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Berlin Tennis Open (WTA 500) — Semifinals
• HSBC Championships (WTA 500) — Round of 16
• Birmingham Open (WTA 125) — Champion

Clay-court swing

• French Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• Italian Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 32
• Madrid Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Stuttgart Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Linz Open (WTA 500) — Round of 16

Sunshine Swing

• Miami Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16
• Indian Wells Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16

Middle East Swing

• Dubai Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) — Quarterfinals
• Qatar Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) — Quarterfinals

Philippine Women’s Open (WTA 125) — Quarterfinals

Australian Swing

• Australian Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• ASB Classic (WTA 250) — Semifinals

—JKC, GMA News