Eala avenges Australian Open loss to Parks

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Revenge tour completed.

Six months after suffering a disappointing first-round exit at the Australian Open, Alex Eala successfully bounced back against world No. 71 Alycia Parks of the U.S., 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, in the Round of 64 of the National Bank Open in Toronto, Ontario, on Aug. 6, 2026.

Fresh off a historic championship campaign at the Mubadala DC Open, the 21-year-old Filipina ace picked up where she left off, dominating Parks in the first and third sets to advance to the next round of the WTA 1000-level tournament.

In retrospect, Parks got the better of Eala during their first meeting in Melbourne last January, leaning on her efficient serving to overcome a 0-1 deficit and pull off a stunning reverse sweep.

Eala failed to sustain her momentum, allowing Parks to gain steam midway through the second set, highlighted by a barrage of service aces and clinical drop-shot efficiency.

Parks capped the victory with 81 points won, including four crucial break points and 29 return points, but it was her 12 aces that made a huge difference in the match.

However, six months later, a retooled Eala stepped onto the court at Sobeys Stadium with a more well-rounded game, an improved first serve, and consistent returns.

Eala immediately cruised to a convincing 1-0 lead after overpowering Parks in the opening set, 6-1, courtesy of an early break in the fourth game.

An alternating pattern of service holds in the first three games was disrupted after Eala amped up her on-point return game to break Parks’ serve.

From that moment, Eala steamrolled her way to a lopsided run, frustrating Parks with another break and a series of demoralizing return winners.

Things got interesting in the next set when Parks finally settled in and shook off her on-court jitters. After getting smashed in the opener, the American netter went back to her serving arsenal, firing six aces in the second frame to break the 4-all deadlock.

Parks completed the comeback with a break in the 10th game, officially leveling the Round of 64 clash at 1-all.

Eala came out with guns blazing at the start of the third set, immediately breaking Parks’ serve before holding to establish a momentum-boosting 2-0 cushion.

Just when Eala thought she could repeat the magic she wove in the first set, Parks came roaring back, holding serve in the third game before breaking back to equalize the match at 2-all.

Needing something to disrupt Parks’ flow, Eala assessed her options when the fifth game began and found an opening by using more on-the-rise forehand returns.

To receive Parks’ kick serve with ease, Eala chose to play the percentages, returned the ball efficiently, and dominated the baseline duels with greater groundstroke depth and topspin.

Parks’ downfall began in the fifth game after Eala secured a break. From that moment, the Filipina closed the third frame with a dominant 4-0 run, capped by a 40-love service hold.

“Iwagayway nyo nga ang mga bandila nyo? Patingin?” Eala addressed the Filipino fans after the win.

“There are so many Filipinos tonight, so many flags, thank you! I’m eternally grateful. I just came from Washington, so I really feel like this is a celebration. Mahal ko kayong lahat!”

Awaiting Eala in the Round of 32 is Caty McNally, who earlier pulled off an upset over Linda Noskova, 7-6, 6-1.