Alex Eala exits National Bank Open in Bencic loss

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Alex Eala’s National Bank Open campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 4-6, 0-6 loss to Belinda Bencic at the center court of Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, on Aug. 10, 2026.

It seemed like Eala just couldn’t figure out the tricky Bencic puzzle as the Swiss ace kicked off the match with sloppy high-ball topspin in the midcourt but quickly adjusted to a laser-sharp and deep groundstroke return game.

The physical aspect also took a toll on the Filipina during the Round of 16 clash after Bencic capitalized on her tweaked ankle, an injury she sustained in the second set against McNally.

Whatever Eala did against Alycia Parks and Caty McNally, Bencic mirrored.

Bencic’s court generalship was on another level, targeting the deep corners on both ends of the court to neutralize Eala’s stable groundstrokes, her bread and butter during the third-set rally against McNally.

Eala started the match on a high note, sustaining her tremendous shot-making every time Bencic fired a looping return in the center of the court.

However, Bencic made a huge adjustment in the fourth game of the set as she abandoned the midcourt and went with a “go big or go home” approach by targeting the no-man’s-land and both corners.

With this adjustment, Bencic was able to move Eala around and made that injured ankle work. The Filipina tried to counter by forcing rallies behind the line, but the experienced Swiss mixed things up with unorthodox backhand returns that made her offense unpredictable.

The turning point in the opener came in the eighth game after Bencic forced a deuce en route to her third break point, 5-4.

Bencic comfortably served out the set for a 1-0 lead, gaining footing and confidence against a loud and supportive Filipino crowd that came to show some love to Eala.

Those loud cheers didn’t play a huge part in the following set as Bencic put on a masterclass for the ages, handing Eala an uncharacteristic bagel with a mix of calculated aggression in her return game and more efficient service possessions.

Bencic shrugged off a shaky first set as her composure helped her completely settle into the match. After back-to-back breaks and a service hold, you could hear a pin drop.

The once-wild Sobeys Stadium went dead silent after Bencic gave Eala a dose of her own medicine as the games progressed, specifically on returns, where she stepped inside the line during the Filipina’s second serves to fire powerful return aces.

The icing on the cake was served in the fourth game when Bencic broke Eala once again. After consecutive unforced errors on set point, the World No. 14 formalized her entry into the tournament’s quarterfinal round and eliminated the World No. 20 in style.

After the statement win, Bencic capped the match with 57 total points won, including an ace, six break points, and 28 points on the return.

On the other hand, Eala struggled to maintain momentum, tallying only 37 points won, an ace, three double faults, two break points, and 16 points on the return.

“I know most of you guys were cheering for Alex, but I still have to say it was very nice for me to play in front of you all,” Bencic said after the win.

“Thank you so much for the great crowd tonight, and thank you to those who were cheering for me as well. It was super nice to play here tonight.”

Awaiting Bencic in the quarterfinal stage is World No. 4 Coco Gauff, who earlier dominated Alina Korneeva in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.