Alex Eala set to face familiar foes in National Bank Open

MANILA, Philippines — Following a 3-week rest since her first round elimination at Wimbledon, Filipino tennis hotshot Alex Eala returns to action at the National Bank Open set from July 26 to August 7 in Montreal, Canada.

No official draws yet but Eala could face familiar foes especially if she advances to the deeper rounds of the tournament, which is still holding its qualifying stages.

In the entry list, world no. 3 Iga Swiatek, no. 4 Jessica Pegula, no. 8 Madison Keys, and world no. 25 Jelena Ostapenko.

The 20-year-old Eala faced Polish Swiatek, who ruled Wimbledon two weeks ago, twice already.

As a wildcard entry at the Miami Open last March, Eala stunned Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, in the quarterfinals.

Get the latest news

delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Swiatek got back at Eala at the Madrid Open last April, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the round of 64.

Meanwhile, the American Pegula beat Eala at the Miami Open semifinals, 7-6(3), 5-7, 3-6, as she ended Eala's historic run in the tournament.

Advertisement

Eala started to make noise in Miami when she beat Ostapenko in the round of 64, 7-6(2), 7-5, and then Keys in the round of 32, 6-4, 6-2.

Eala repeated over Ostapenko at the Eastbourne Open round of 16, 6-0, 2-6, 3-2, as the latter retired due to an injury.

The 5-foot-9 Eala went on to reach the final of the tournament where she bowed to Aussie Maya Joint, but made history anyway as the first Filipino to reach the championship round of a WTA tournament.

Click here to read article