Alex Eala Gives Injury Update After Surviving Caty McNally in Toronto Thriller

Alexandra Eala‘swinning streak survived its most uncomfortable night yet.

The Philippines’ rising star overcame a second-set ankle issue and a determined Caty McNally to reach the Round of 16 at the National Bank Open in Toronto, extending her winning streak to seven matches across two cities.

Eala arrived in Canada after winning five matches at the Mubadala DC Open, where she defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to become the first Filipino player to capture a WTA Tour singles title. Victories over Alycia Parks and McNally have carried that momentum into the season’s next WTA 1000 tournament.

The workload made her latest escape even more impressive.

McNally represented Eala’s fourth match in five days, beginning with Monday’s rain-delayed Washington final against Pegula. Eala then traveled to Toronto, defeated Parks in her singles opener and returned Thursday night for a doubles loss alongside Venus Williams.

By Friday, the accumulated mileage was beginning to show.

Eala experienced an ankle issue during the second set and required attention before continuing. Her movement was not always as free afterward, but she stayed committed to the baseline exchanges, protected the vulnerable corner when possible and found enough precise tennis to survive a match that remained unsettled deep into the night.

“I’m OK. I think I survived that one,” Eala said during her on-court interview. “It was so tough.”

Alex Eala Gives Caty McNally Her Flowers

Eala made certain the sold-out Center Court crowd understood how much McNally contributed to the spectacle.

“I want to thank Caty for a great match and for being a great sport,” Eala said. “It’s one of those matches that could’ve gone either way. It was down to details and a little bit of luck. Give her her flowers, guys. It was a great match.”

GettyCaty McNally of the United States congratulates Alexandra Eala of the Philippines after their match during day six of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 07, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.

McNally entered the contest with confidence after rallying from a 1-5 deficit in the opening set to eliminate reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. The American’s variety, willingness to attack the net and ability to change pace prevented Eala from settling into the straightforward baseline patterns she prefers.

The atmosphere, however, belonged unmistakably to Eala.

Philippine flags dotted the stadium as Toronto’s Filipino community again transformed one of her matches into something louder and more personal than an ordinary early-round encounter.

Eala recalled hearing a spectator say they wanted to be Filipino for the evening. She compared it to attending a Bad Bunny concert and feeling Puerto Rican for one night.

“For the Filipino community to have that effect on other people — the Canadians have been so hospitable to me,” Eala said. “I really hope the Canadians also get that feeling of hospitality from the Filipinos.”

Belinda Bencic Awaits Eala in Round of 16

Eala will next face Belinda Bencic, who survived Taylor Townsend in a 3-hour, 24-minute third-round thriller. The Olympic gold medalist brings clean timing, early ball-striking and an ability to redirect pace — a considerably different challenge from McNally’s improvisational style.

Several other contenders also advanced Friday.

Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens and will meet Leylah Fernandez, who upset Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-4. Coco Gauff broke Maria Sakkari five times to continue her run, while Elena Rybakina saved two set points in a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Ann Li.

Liudmila Samsonova moved past Maya Joint, and qualifier Alina Korneeva earned her first career Top 20 victory by beating Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-4.

Eala’s ankle will now receive nearly as much attention as her winning streak. After four matches in five days, seven consecutive victories and a rapid trip from one emotionally charged tournament to another, recovery has become part of the competition.

Still, Eala left Toronto’s Center Court with the only result that mattered.

She remains standing, and she keeps advancing.

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