Eala loses to Vondrousova in Canadian Open first round, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala lost to Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in the first round of the Canadian Open (National Bank Open) on Monday, July 28.

Eala, who had recently returned from a break and was making her comeback after Wimbledon, showed early promise with an easy first-set win but struggled against Vondrousova's strong performance thereafter.

Vondrousova dominated with seven aces, connecting on 62% of her first serves and limiting Eala to just three games in the second and third sets combined.

Eala expressed satisfaction despite the loss: 'I expected that [Vondrousova] was gonna play a great match and she had some good results before, so I expected that match. So, it was a tough one so I'm very happy to fight back in this match.'

Vondrousova will face Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in the second round while Eala is set to compete in the Cincinnati Open starting on August 7.