Updated: August 7, 2026, 10:10 a.m. Philippine time
Alex Eala’s Canadian Open campaign has become even more eventful.
After winning her opening singles match in Toronto, the Filipina tennis star returned to Centre Court for her much-awaited doubles reunion with Venus Williams. Their first-round match began on Friday morning in the Philippines, but it was suspended before they could complete the second set.
Alex and Venus were trailing Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova when play stopped. Alex must now wait for the tournament to confirm when the doubles match will resume, while also preparing for an important third-round singles encounter against American Caty McNally.
That creates an interesting situation. Alex is still alive in both draws, but her schedule could become demanding if she is asked to finish the doubles match and then play singles within a relatively short period.
Here is the complete Alex Eala Canadian Open update for today, including the suspended doubles match, her upcoming singles schedule, her opponent, possible ranking implications, and what Filipino fans should watch next.
Content
Alex Eala’s Canadian Open status today
Here is the latest situation as of the morning of August 7 in the Philippines:
| Event | Latest status |
|---|---|
| Singles | Advanced to the Round of 32 |
| Opening singles result | Defeated Alycia Parks, 6–1, 4–6, 6–2 |
| Next singles opponent | Caty McNally |
| Singles schedule | Saturday morning, August 8, Philippine time |
| Current singles ranking | World No. 20 |
| Tournament seed | No. 25 |
| Doubles partner | Venus Williams |
| Doubles opponents | Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova |
| Doubles status | Match suspended |
| Score when suspended | Kato/Samsonova led 6–4, 5–2 |
| Venue | Sobeys Stadium, Toronto |
| Surface | Outdoor hard court |
The tournament’s official player profile lists Alex at world No. 20 in singles and No. 131 in doubles. She entered Toronto as the No. 25 singles seed because the draw used an earlier ranking published before her latest rise.
Alex Eala and Venus Williams’ doubles match is suspended
The biggest development today concerns Alex’s first-round doubles match with Venus Williams.
The popular pair faced Japan’s Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova on Centre Court after Aryna Sabalenka completed her singles victory over Zhang Shuai.
Kato and Samsonova claimed the opening set, 6–4, before building a 5–2 advantage in the second. The match was then suspended after approximately 44 minutes of play. The official WTA live-score page continues to list the contest as suspended rather than completed.
That means Alex and Venus have not yet been eliminated from the tournament. They remain in the match and will have an opportunity to continue fighting when play resumes.
However, the situation is clearly difficult. They must immediately hold serve or break their opponents to stay alive in the second set. Another game for Kato and Samsonova would complete the match in straight sets.
What happened before the doubles match was stopped?
Kato and Samsonova appeared to settle into the match more quickly.
The available live statistics showed that Alex and Venus were having difficulty protecting their service games. They had committed four double faults, while their opponents had generated seven break-point opportunities and converted four of them.
Kato and Samsonova were also winning a higher percentage of points behind both their first and second serves. They had won five of six service games at the latest recorded statistical update, while Alex and Venus had won three of seven.
Those numbers help explain the 6–4, 5–2 score.
Alex and Venus were not completely outplayed, though. They created two break opportunities and converted one. They also won enough return points to put occasional pressure on their opponents.
Their biggest problem was consistency on serve. In doubles, losing serve can be especially damaging because there are fewer opportunities to recover before the set ends.
The suspension gives them time to speak with their coaches, recover physically, and discuss how to approach the remaining games. At the same time, restarting while only one game away from defeat leaves almost no room for error.
When will the doubles match resume?
As of this update, the tournament has not published a confirmed resumption time for the match.
The National Bank Open adjusts its order of play when rain, court conditions, lengthy matches, or other interruptions affect the schedule. Its official schedule page also advises fans that tennis start times can change throughout the day because matches have no fixed duration.
Fans should therefore check the official WTA and National Bank Open score pages before assuming that the match will resume at a particular time.
The situation is even more important because Alex already has another singles match scheduled for Friday night in Toronto, which falls on Saturday morning in the Philippines.
Tournament officials will have to consider player recovery and the time needed between matches when deciding how to place the doubles resumption on the schedule.
Alex still has an important singles match ahead
While the doubles match remains unfinished, Alex’s main singles campaign continues.
She is scheduled to face American Caty McNally in the third round, officially known as the Round of 32.
The match is expected during the Toronto night session on Friday, August 7, which places it on Saturday morning, August 8, in the Philippines. The current tournament schedule lists the match at approximately 8:10 a.m. Philippine time, although the start remains subject to the completion of earlier matches and possible schedule adjustments.
The tournament’s homepage has promoted Eala as one of the featured players during Friday night’s session, while tickets for the session identify Eala versus McNally as one of its main matches.
Filipino viewers should check the schedule again shortly before the match. A listed tennis time is often an estimate rather than a guaranteed first serve.
How Alex reached the third round
Alex opened her Toronto singles campaign against American Alycia Parks.
Because she was seeded, Alex received a first-round bye and started directly in the Round of 64. She defeated Parks in three sets:
Alex Eala def. Alycia Parks, 6–1, 4–6, 6–2
Alex controlled the first set, winning five consecutive games after the score reached 1–1. She did not face a break point during the set and repeatedly pressured Parks with aggressive returns and deep baseline shots.
Parks responded in the second set. She saved four break points, stayed close through the first nine games, and then broke Alex at love to claim the set 6–4.
The third set became another test of Alex’s ability to recover. After the players exchanged early breaks, Alex broke again to move ahead 3–2. She then won the final three games to finish the match in one hour and 51 minutes.
It was another example of why Alex has become such a difficult opponent. Even when her level drops temporarily, she has learned how to reset instead of allowing one bad set to decide the entire match.
Alex gained revenge against Alycia Parks
The Toronto result was also meaningful because Parks had beaten Alex at the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Their Melbourne match followed a similar pattern. Alex dominated the first set but eventually lost after Parks recovered and took control of the final two sets.
This time, Alex prevented history from repeating itself.
She made the necessary changes during the deciding set and completed the victory. The win improved her record against Parks to 2–1 and extended her current singles winning streak to six matches.
Five of those victories came during her championship run in Washington. The sixth came in Toronto only two days after she lifted the trophy.
A historic first Canadian Open victory
Alex’s victory over Parks was her first main-draw win at the Canadian Open.
More importantly, the WTA reported that she became the first player representing the Philippines—male or female—to win a main-draw match at the tournament.
Alex had previously played at the Canadian Open when the women’s event was held in Montreal in 2025. She won the first set against former Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová but eventually lost in three sets.
Toronto has already produced a different experience.
Alex played in front of a packed stadium filled with Filipino supporters. She said afterward that the crowd made her feel at home and thanked fans for creating such an enthusiastic atmosphere.
Who is Caty McNally?
Caty McNally is an American player known for her variety, doubles experience, and willingness to move toward the net.
She presents a different challenge from Alycia Parks.
Parks relies heavily on first-strike power and a strong serve. McNally is more comfortable changing the pace, approaching the net, using slices, and finishing points with volleys.
That style can disrupt a baseline player’s rhythm.
Alex will need to keep her passing shots accurate and avoid leaving short balls that allow McNally to attack. She may also try to pin the American behind the baseline with deep returns before changing direction with her left-handed forehand.
This will be their first career singles meeting, so neither player has direct head-to-head experience to use as a reference.
McNally produced one of Toronto’s biggest upsets
McNally earned her meeting with Alex by defeating recent Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.
Noskova appeared to be in control when she built a 5–1 lead in the opening set. McNally refused to give up, saved two set points, forced a tiebreak, and won it 7–5.
She then carried the momentum into the second set and completed a 7–6(5), 6–1 victory. From 1–5 down in the opener, McNally won 12 of the final 14 games.
That comeback is an important warning for Alex.
Even if Alex begins the match well, she cannot assume that an early advantage will be enough. McNally has already shown that she can recover from a large deficit against an elite opponent.
The victory over Noskova was McNally’s second career win over a Top 10 player. It was also her 22nd WTA-level singles victory of the season, establishing a new personal best.
Both players are handling doubles commitments
Alex is not the only player balancing singles and doubles in Toronto.
McNally is competing in doubles with Coco Gauff. The American pair defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova and Gabriela Dabrowski, 3–6, 6–3, 11–9, in their opening match.
Gauff and McNally had to recover from a set and a break down. They also saved a match point in the deciding super tiebreak before completing the comeback.
This means both Alex and McNally have additional court time beyond singles.
However, Alex’s situation may be more complicated because her doubles match remains unfinished. Depending on the resumption schedule, she could be required to complete the doubles contest on the same day as her singles match.
That is an inference based on the unfinished match and the current singles order of play; the tournament has not yet confirmed exactly how the schedule will be arranged.
What Alex must do against McNally
The first key will be protecting her serve.
Alex created many return opportunities against Parks, earning 14 break points and converting five. Parks, meanwhile, had only two break chances—but converted both.
That shows Alex was generally the stronger returner, but a few poor service games made the match more difficult than it needed to be.
Against McNally, Alex cannot afford to lose focus for an entire service game. McNally is comfortable playing with a lead and has the variety to shorten points once she gains confidence.
Alex should also try to keep McNally away from the net.
Deep returns through the middle can limit the angles available to the American. Alex can then use her left-handed forehand to open the court once the rally develops.
Patience will also matter. McNally may use slices and changes of pace to prevent Alex from settling into a predictable baseline rhythm. Alex should avoid trying to finish every point too quickly.
The importance of the first set
Alex has developed an impressive record when she wins the opening set.
Her victory over Parks extended her streak to 10 consecutive tour-level wins after claiming the first set. She also improved to 10–4 in three-set matches during the current season.
Winning the opener against McNally would put Alex in a strong position, but she must remember what happened in McNally’s match against Noskova.
Noskova led 5–1 and still lost the set.
Alex will need to maintain her concentration until the final point, particularly if she builds an early advantage.
Alex’s current ranking and tournament position
Alex entered Toronto at a career-high world No. 20 following her championship in Washington.
She is the highest-ranked Filipino singles tennis player in history. The National Bank Open’s official player page lists her with a 63% career win rate and one WTA Tour singles title.
The tournament lists her as the No. 25 seed because entries and seedings were determined using an earlier ranking.
A strong Toronto result would help Alex strengthen her position inside the Top 20, although her exact movement will depend on several factors. These include the ranking points she earns, results being replaced, and the performances of players around her.
Reaching the fourth round of a WTA 1000 tournament would add another valuable result to a season that already includes deep runs at several major events.
Why the Toronto campaign is physically demanding
Alex arrived in Toronto immediately after winning the Washington title.
Her Washington final against Jessica Pegula was interrupted and finished the following day. Alex then traveled to Canada and had only a short period to recover before facing Parks.
Despite the quick turnaround, she completed another three-set victory.
Alex has now played six consecutive winning singles matches across two cities. Her doubles match with Venus adds more serving, returning, movement, and mental pressure to an already demanding schedule.
Fatigue does not always appear dramatically. It can show up through a slightly slower first step, reduced serving accuracy, shorter concentration, or difficulty recovering after long rallies.
Alex and her team will need to decide how much energy she can safely commit to both events.
Why Alex and Venus are playing together
Toronto is not the first tournament where Alex and Venus have formed a doubles team.
They made their partnership debut at the 2026 Bad Homburg Open and advanced to the quarterfinals. Their combination quickly attracted attention because of the contrast between Alex’s rising career and Venus’ decades of experience.
The two were scheduled to play together again in Washington, but Alex withdrew from doubles to preserve her energy for singles. That decision worked out well, as she went on to win the championship.
Tennis Canada later awarded Alex and Venus the final doubles wild card for Toronto.
For Alex, partnering with Venus offers an opportunity to learn from a former world No. 1 and 14-time women’s doubles Grand Slam champion.
For Venus, Alex brings movement, youth, left-handed shot patterns, and the confidence of one of the tour’s fastest-rising players.
Their Toronto debut has not gone according to plan so far, but the match is still unfinished.
Where Filipino fans can watch
In the Philippines, Alex Eala’s Canadian Open campaign is being carried by Premier Sports 2, available on Cignal Channel 273 HD and through Cignal Play.
Fans can also follow live scores through the official WTA and National Bank Open websites.
Because the doubles match is suspended and the singles schedule may change, viewers should confirm the latest order of play before tuning in.
For the Eala-McNally singles match, the current expected start is approximately 8:10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, Philippine time. However, the actual beginning may be later if earlier Centre Court matches run long.
Frequently asked questions
Did Alex Eala and Venus Williams win their doubles match?
The match has not been completed. At the latest update, Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova led 6–4, 5–2 when play was suspended.
Are Alex and Venus eliminated?
No. Because the match is suspended rather than finished, they remain in the tournament until play resumes and the final result is decided.
When will the doubles match continue?
The tournament has not yet announced a confirmed resumption time.
Who will Alex Eala face next in singles?
Alex will play American Caty McNally in the Round of 32.
When is Alex Eala’s next singles match?
The match is currently expected at approximately 8:10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, Philippine time. The schedule remains subject to change.
Has Alex played McNally before?
No. This will be their first career singles meeting.
How did McNally reach the third round?
She defeated Tatjana Maria in three sets before upsetting Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, 7–6(5), 6–1.
What is Alex Eala’s current ranking?
Alex is currently world No. 20 in women’s singles.
Where can the match be watched in the Philippines?
Premier Sports 2 is carrying Alex’s Canadian Open campaign through Cignal Channel 273 HD and Cignal Play.
What Filipino fans should watch next
The first thing to watch is the doubles resumption schedule.
Alex and Venus face a difficult situation at 6–4, 5–2 down, but the match is not officially over. They must return ready to compete immediately because there will be no time to gradually regain their rhythm.
The second—and more important—development is Alex’s singles match against McNally.
McNally is dangerous, confident, and coming from a major upset. She has the net skills to disrupt Alex and has already demonstrated that she can recover from a poor start.
Alex, however, also enters the match with strong momentum.
She has won six consecutive singles matches, captured her first WTA Tour title, climbed to world No. 20, and won her Toronto debut despite dropping the second set.
The question is how well she can manage her energy after a demanding stretch of tennis.
Final thoughts
Alex Eala’s Canadian Open campaign is becoming another test of her physical endurance and mental strength.
She has already recorded a historic first singles victory in Toronto. She overcame a difficult second set against Alycia Parks, extended her winning streak, and earned another opportunity to advance at one of the biggest tournaments outside the Grand Slams.
Her doubles match with Venus Williams has not gone as hoped so far. They are one game away from defeat, but the suspension has given them another chance to regroup before returning to the court.
Alex must also avoid allowing the doubles situation to distract her from singles.
Caty McNally will be a serious opponent. She has already eliminated the reigning Wimbledon champion and will enter their meeting with confidence.
Still, Alex has spent the past two seasons proving that she can compete against—and defeat—players at every level of the women’s game.
Her Toronto journey remains alive.
For Filipino tennis fans, that means another important match and another early morning of cheering for Alex as she continues carrying the Philippine flag on the world stage.
