Alex Eala falls to Czech foe in first round of Canadian Open

Filipina wunderkind Alexandra “Alex” Eala experienced a heartbreaking exit from the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal after falling in the opening round. The 20-year-old lost a hard-fought match to Czech former Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová, with a final score of 6-3, 1-6, 2-6.

Despite showcasing her signature tenacity in front of a packed crowd, Eala ultimately fell short in a match that lasted over two hours. She began the contest strongly, taking the first set 6-3 and raising hopes of an upset. However, Vondroušová regrouped in the second set, riding her experience and composure to dominate the remainder of the match.

While her energy and determination were evident, Eala struggled to maintain consistency as the match wore on. Vondroušová’s superior service games and tactical accuracy began to tell—Eala found it difficult to convert break opportunities and was often on the defensive. The Czech star’s experience in major events allowed her to dictate pace and momentum when the pressure mounted.

In a post-match interview, Eala graciously acknowledged her opponent’s performance and remained optimistic about what lies ahead. This tournament came on the heels of a valuable break in the Philippines, and she impressed many with her fearless early fight. Despite the loss, her campaign will serve as a stepping stone as she continues her journey.

With the Canadian Open behind her, Eala is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where she hopes to return to form. The North American hardcourt swing remains a significant phase in her season—balancing rest with preparation ahead of her anticipated main-draw debut at the upcoming US Open.

This performance, while disappointing in result, marks yet another valuable learning opportunity for the young Filipina. Entering the professional circuit as a trailblazer for Philippine women’s tennis, Eala has repeatedly shown resilience and determination, even when facing elite competition.

As she heads into her next competition, the focus will be on recovery, tactical refinement, and continued growth. Her competitive fire and ability to bounce back have already established her as a player to watch—not just in Asia, but on the global stage.