Melbourne, Jan. 19 -- Alexandra Eala's 2026 Australian Open campaign came to an end in the opening round after the 20-year-old Filipina suffered a three-set defeat on Monday.
Playing her first main-draw match at the season's opening Grand Slam, Eala made a dream start by taking the opening set 6-0 against Alycia Parks of the United States. However, the American staged a strong comeback to prevail 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 and advance to the second round.
Eala, ranked 49 in the world, was backed by a vocal crowd on Court 6 in Melbourne, with her aggressive shot-making and early dominance drawing loud support.
The opening set suggested a breakthrough Grand Slam moment for the young Filipina, but momentum shifted as Parks raised her level in the second...