Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipina tennis ace Alexandra Eala extended her winning streak to seven matches after overcoming American Caty McNally, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, to reach the Round of 16 at the National Bank Open (Canadian Open) on Saturday morning, Aug. 8 (Philippine time).
Eala was pushed to a deciding set for the third consecutive match but held her nerve to seal the win in two hours and 39 minutes.
The Filipina was also dealing with an ankle injury in the second set as McNally mounted a comeback after Eala had taken a 5-4 lead. Eala regained control in the decider, breaking early and holding on to her advantage to secure the victory.
“I’m okay. I think I survived that one. It was so tough,” Eala said after the match.
“I wanna thank Caty for a great match and for being a great sport. It’s one of those matches that could’ve gone either way. It was down to details and a little bit of luck,” she added.
Eala also highlighted the support she has received from the local community.
“Someone in the crowd said they wanted to be Filipino for tonight. That stuck with me,” she said.
The victory marks Eala’s fifth WTA 1000 Round of 16 appearance, with four coming this season.
She will next face former National Bank Open champion Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16 on Sunday.
