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Alexandra Eala’s stunning run at the National Bank Open came to an end in the Round of 16. The Philippines star was defeated by Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic 6-4, 6-0. Meanwhile, after the loss, the rising tennis star wants some me time and doesn't want to rush things.
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Eala said she plans a short break from the court after her run in Toronto ended, bringing a seven-match winning streak to a close. The streak had included her breakthrough first WTA Tour title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington earlier this month.
Rising tennis star Alex Eala reveals what she plans to do after Toronto exit
Speaking in her post-match press conference, the 21-year-old outlined her immediate priorities before the next event in Cincinnati. The World No. 20 said:
“I definitely will take maybe two days off, a day or two. I do have to travel to Cincinnati.”
Eala added:
“I need to get a haircut. I haven’t gotten a haircut in a while. My nails are grown out. So, yeah, I’ll do a couple things, just to get my mind off tennis.”
Eala also revealed that she would like to reunite with some friends in Cincinnati and will try to make the best out of it. The player has enjoyed a strong 2026 season, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a tour-level title and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 20.'
Eala received warm support from Filipino fans throughout the week in Toronto and described the atmosphere as “incredible.” The hard-court swing continues with the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati later this month. On the other hand, Bencic is all set to face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals.
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