ANOTHER American stands in the way of Alex Eala as she chases a WTA 1000 crown in the 2026 National Bank Open in Toronto.
After dispatching Alycia Parks in the round of 64, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, to make it to the third round of the Canadian Open, the Filipina No. 20 found herself drawn against USA’s Caty McNally, No. 70, whom she’ll be facing for the first time in her pro career.
READ: PH flags fly high as 'Eala-mania' takes over Toronto
The 24-year-old American has a doubles title under her belt and a career-high singles ranking of No. 50.
McNally defeated Eala’s two-time tormentor, and recent Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova of Czechia, in the round of 64, 7-6(5), 6-1, to set up a fight against the Filipina, after taking down Tatjana Maria in the opener.
Like Eala, McNally holds two WTA 125 titles, winning in Newport in 2025 and Midland in 2022.
The Filipina, meanwhile, owns WTA 125 crowns in Guadalajara and Birmingham.
Before heading to Toronto, Eala clinched her maiden WTA crown in Washington, DC, after defeating a packed lineup of elite players.
They will see action on Saturday morning, not before 8:10 a.m. Manila time, at Centre Court.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
