Toronto braces for 'Eala-mania' as Filipina faces McNally
MANILA, Philippines — Center Court has quickly become a familiar territory for Alex Eala.
Wherever the Filipina sensation plays these days, the spotlight seems to follow. So does the crowd.
After her remarkable breakthrough over the past year and an unforgettable title run in Washington just days ago, Eala returns to the center stage once more when she faces American Caty McNally in the third round of the National Bank Open at 8:10 a.m. (Manila time) Saturday at the Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Canada.
For a tournament still in its opening week, few matches carry as much intrigue.
McNally denied fans what would have been a blockbuster rematch between Eala and Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, rallying for a gritty 7-6(5), 6-1 victory Wednesday night.
But instead of diminishing the excitement, the result may have only heightened it.
A former world-class junior and one of the tour's more versatile competitors, the 24-year-old American possesses the all-court game, fighting spirit and doubles pedigree that could test every facet of Eala's rapidly evolving arsenal.
Yet Eala enters the match riding arguably the hottest stretch of her young career.
Her championship run at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington transformed what had already been a breakout season into something even bigger.
The 21-year-old defeated an Olympic gold medalist, the defending champion, the world No. 10, a four-time Grand Slam champion and, finally, world No. 3 Jessica Pegula to capture the biggest title of her career.
The stunning five-match run did more than add another trophy to her collection. It firmly established Eala as one of the WTA Tour's fastest-rising stars and propelled her into territory she had long dreamed of reaching.
She is no longer merely a promising prospect.
She belongs among the sport's elite.
While Eala first captured the tennis world's attention with her electrifying run at the Miami Open, Washington proved that her success was no fluke. She has shown she can consistently challenge — and defeat — the very best players in the world.
Perhaps just as impressive has been the maturity in her game.
Once known primarily for her aggressive baseline play, Eala has developed into a far more complete competitor. Her vastly improved serve, smarter shot selection, defensive coverage, and remarkable composure under pressure have allowed her to thrive even in the sport's biggest moments.
Time and again, she has escaped difficult situations before turning matches decisively in her favor, including a 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Alycia Parks in the second round, stretching her win run to six.
McNally certainly has the weapons to slow that momentum.
A former French Open girls' doubles champion and one of the tour's better net players, the McNally showcased her resilience by overturning a first-set deficit against Noskova. Her variety, athleticism and willingness to move forward make her a dangerous opponent on hard courts.
She, too, will enter Saturday's contest brimming with confidence.
It will also be the first career meeting between the two rising stars, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a high-quality encounter.
But if there is one advantage Eala has consistently carried from tournament to tournament, it is one that cannot be measured on a stat sheet.
The crowd.
Few players on the WTA Tour currently enjoy the kind of support Eala has generated.
Filipino fans have packed stadiums across continents, waving flags, chanting her name and transforming neutral venues into something resembling home courts. Tennis observers have repeatedly pointed to the energy surrounding her matches, with many noting that Eala's following has become one of the sport's emerging attractions.
Even Pegula experienced it firsthand after falling to Eala in the Washington final.
"To see the amazing fans follow you everywhere you go — it's not fun to play against," Pegula admitted.
McNally already knows exactly what awaits.
Fresh off her upset of Noskova, she embraced the challenge with a smile.
"Come watch us. I'm so excited to play with her. It's gonna be a great time," she said.
It should be.
One player is looking to extend the hottest streak of her career.
The other hopes to derail the tour's newest phenomenon.
Either way, all eyes will once again be on Center Court — where Eala has increasingly made herself feel right at home.
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