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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Eala-mania takes over Toronto as Filipina star draws another packed crowd

Eala-mania takes over Toronto as Filipina star draws another packed crowd

Published Aug 6, 2026 12:40 pm  |  Updated Aug 6, 2026 05:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Beyond the win, the 21-year-old rising star expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support as fans filled the stands and created a lively atmosphere throughout the match.
Philippines' Alexandra Eala celebrates after defeating United States' Alycia Parks in National Bank Open tennis action in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
Philippines' Alexandra Eala celebrates after defeating United States' Alycia Parks in National Bank Open tennis action in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Alex Eala frenzy has reached the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada with thousands of fans packing Sobeys Stadium to cheer on the Filipina star in her second-round showdown against Alycia Parks on Thursday, Aug. 6 (Philippine time).
Eala rewarded the crowd with another gritty performance, outlasting Parks, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, to advance to the third round.
Beyond the win, the 21-year-old rising star expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support as fans filled the stands and created a lively atmosphere throughout the match.
“I just came off from Washington and I just feel like this is a celebration,” said Eala, referring to her breakthrough WTA Tour title win at the Mubadala DC Open.
“Linggo-lingo ko kayong nakikita, sinusuporta ako. Linggo-linggo kong nakikita kung gaano nyo kamahal ang kapwa nyong Pinoy kaya proud na proud akong maging Pinoy. Salamat, mga kababayan,” she added.
Eala also acknowledged that the overwhelming support she has been receiving extends beyond her own journey, shining a brighter spotlight on tennis as a sport.
“Thank you to everyone who’s here supporting tennis and creating atmospheres like this. It’s really the pleasure of my life to experience these things,” said Eala.
With the support of fans behind her, Eala moves into the next round brimming with confidence and momentum as she continues her pursuit of another WTA Tour crown -- this time, on an even bigger stage.

Related Tags

Alex Eala National Bank Open Alycia Parks
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