Filipina tennis star, Alex Eala, delivered a tactical masterclass to defeat American power-hitter Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in the second round of the National Bank Open.
The victory on Centre Court allowed the 25th-seeded Eala to exact a measure of redemption after suffering a painful three-set defeat to Parks earlier in the season at the Australian Open.
Eala came out firing in the opening set, neutralizing Parks’ formidable serve to cruise through a dominant 6-1 win. Parks, fueled by her heavy artillery and ten total aces, fought back in a tight second set to level the match. However, the Filipina star quickly regained control in the decider, capitalizing on crucial break points and sealing the victory in one hour and 44 minutes.
Fresh off a triumphant title run in Washington, Eala advances to the third round of the WTA 1000 event where she is set to face Caty McNally.