Alexandra Eala Plans to Switch Off After Canadian Open Exit: “I Am a Bit Tired and Sad”

Alexandra Eala‘s stunning run came to an end on Sunday (August 9). In the fourth round of the Canadian Open, Eala suffered a 6-4, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Belinda Bencic, which ended her winning streak of seven matches.

Before arriving in Toronto, Eala scripted history at the Citi Open, where, en route to her three-set win over home favorite Jessica Pegula in the final, she eliminated Qinwen Zheng, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

The win over Pegula made Eala the first Filipino to win a tour-level title. But the packed schedule gave the 21-year-old little to no time to celebrate her win as the main draw rounds of the Canadian Open had already gotten underway when she played the final in Washington.

She wasted no time in heading toward Toronto to start her campaign. But now that she is no longer a part of the draw, Eala wants to take a day or two of rest before flying to Cincinnati for the final WTA 1000 before the US Open.

I need to get a haircut. It’s been a long time since I’ve had one. And my nails are way too long… It’s always difficult after a loss. Right now I’m a bit tired and sad about the match, but I’m healthy, which is something I’m super grateful for. It’s always at the top of my priorities. I’m going to take the lessons I’ve learned these past two weeks and hope to apply them even better in Cincinnati and New York.

Alexandra Eala said at the press conference

Eala will be one of the contenders at the US Open as she has been pretty consistent this season. Thanks to her campaigns, she has now reached a career-high ranking of No.20.

Alexandra Eala on the Filipino fans’ support in Toronto

Alexandra Eala now trails 0-1 against Belinda Bencic, who, when asked about the crowd during her press conference, said she prefers playing in front of the energetic crowd compared to a quieter atmosphere. Whenever Eala plays, the stadium is filled with enthusiastic Filipino fans. Even Coco Gauff loves playing Eala for the same reason.

Not just during her matches, but even during her practice sessions, the stadiums are filled with fans, as revealed by Naomi Osaka during a press conference in Toronto. Eala is forever grateful to have such supporters.

It was a tough match. Belinda put me in some difficult situations, and I think she played really well. I wasn’t able to break out of her rhythm. Overall, it’s been a really good week.

Alexandra Eala said at the press conference

Eala will be making her debut in Cincinnati, where the main draw rounds will start on August 13. She has so far played one semifinal at a WTA 1000 level (in last year’s Miami Open, which she lost to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula).

The atmosphere all week has been incredible. I’m like a tiny drop in the ocean when we talk about Filipinos and the pride they feel for their culture and their heritage. I do a lot to represent my country, and I’m very proud of it, but the stadium was full of people who do the same. That shows what kind of community we are and how much we support each other.

Alexandra Eala added

While Eala will be recharging her batteries, Bencic will be hoping to beat Gauff in the quarterfinals. The Swiss ace trails 2-6 in the head-to-head matchups versus the two-time Grand Slam singles champion.

They have already met twice this year, in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open and the fourth round of Wimbledon, the results of which ended in the American ace’s favor.

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