The final point had been played, but Caty McNally still found one more way to leave an impression on Alexandra Eala.
After Eala completed a bruising 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory in the third round of the National Bank Open, the two players met at the net for a handshake that became a warm embrace. McNally then delivered a message Eala did not expect.
“She told me congratulations, and she said, ‘Thanks for letting me be a part of this,’” Eala revealed during her postmatch news conference.
The words reflected the mutual respect created over 2 hours and 39 minutes on Center Court. Eala described McNally’s gesture as “incredibly kind and gracious” after a match that demanded nearly everything from both players.
“I think there was a huge mutual respect for the great match that we had,” Eala said. “A lot of respect for Caty.”
Caty McNally’s Forehand Turns the Match
GettyCaty McNally of the United States returns a shot to Alexandra Eala of the Philippines during day six of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 07, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
McNally had every reason to leave disappointed. Instead, she acknowledged the significance of a night played before another capacity crowd drawn largely by Eala’s historic rise and Toronto’s Filipino community.
That perspective was consistent with what McNally said before the match.
“What she’s doing for tennis is unreal and selling out stadiums,” McNally told ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo on Thursday. “Hopefully, it’s a great crowd and a good atmosphere, and I can enjoy it.”
She did more than absorb the atmosphere. She nearly overturned the match.
Eala recovered from an early break to win the opening set 6-3, but McNally’s forehand increasingly caused problems during the second. The American stepped inside the baseline to drive through that wing, found sharp angles when Eala left the ball short and used the shot to create opportunities to move forward.
McNally also changed speeds and disrupted the clean baseline rhythm Eala prefers. Even after Eala broke for a 5-4 lead and served for the match, McNally refused to yield. She won three consecutive games, taking the set 7-5 and forcing a decider.
Eala steadied herself quickly. She broke at her first opportunity in the third set, moved ahead 2-0 and protected that advantage through the finish.
Only four points separated them. Eala won 94 of 184, according to the WTA’s official match statistics.
“Caty is such a big fighter,” Eala said. “She’s definitely got some good weapons.”
Alex Eala Survives Rolled Ankle, Heavy Workload
Getty Alexandra Eala of the Philippines sits on her bench after defeating Caty McNally of the United States during day six of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 07, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
The match became more concerning when Eala landed awkwardly after a forehand and rolled her ankle during the second set.
She called for the physiotherapist because the moment happened too quickly for her to determine the extent of the problem. Eala ultimately continued without a significant restriction and later delivered an encouraging update.
“Luckily, there’s nothing wrong with it,” Eala said. “No serious problems.”
The scare came during an unforgiving stretch. Eala competed on five of six days, beginning when the weather-delayed Washington final against World No. 3 Jessica Pegula started Sunday and resumed Monday. She traveled to Toronto, defeated Alycia Parks on Wednesday, played doubles alongside Venus Williams on Thursday and faced McNally on Friday.
“I am as tired as one can be at this stage,” Eala said. “But that’s the job.”
Her victory was her seventh consecutive singles win, the longest streak of her career. It earned her a first meeting with Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who survived Taylor Townsend 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-4 in 3 hours and 24 minutes.
Before turning toward Bencic, Eala made sure McNally received her flowers.
McNally had promised to embrace the occasion. Her gracious final message showed that she had.
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