Eala weathers ankle trouble, outlasts McNally to barge into Canada Open R16 

Despite being driven to the edge by a right-foot pain midway through the match, Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala dug deep to carve out a 6–3, 5–7, 6–4 escape against American Caty McNally, securing a ticket to the 2026 Canada Open round of 16 in Toronto, Aug. 8.

After yielding the second set to her foe, the lefty Filipina summoned enough strength to prevail in the rubber canto and closed out the deal after two hours and 41 minutes.

The victory also extended Eala’s winning streak to seven matches, including her maiden WTA singles title at the DC Open and two victories at the Canada Open.  

“These two weeks have been incredible for me. Just so many extreme emotions and I’m doing my best to power through and be professional and do what I know how to do,” she said.

Eala held a slim 3–2 lead in the second frame before needing to nurse her discomfort, allowing the gritty American to spark a comeback after taking the next two games and eventually snatching the set.

But, the resilient Filipina later made a move when it mattered most.

The 21-year-old netter regained control in the decider, taking an early 2–0 cushion before sealing the triumph with a serve.

Eala is set to lock horns with Swiss bet Belinda Bencic on Aug. 10.