A Statement Performance in China
Alexandra Eala opened her 2026 Ningbo Open campaign in emphatic style, routing French opponent Diane Parry 6-3, 6-1 in their first-ever tour-level meeting. The world No. 20 came into the hard-court WTA 500 event in China on the back of a frustrating run without a victory, having fallen to Chinese qualifier Han Shi in the first round at the Wuhan event the previous week. Her last win before Ningbo had come at the Asian Games, and her most recent tour-level success before that was a second-round triumph at the US Open.
Eala wasted little time imposing her will on the match. Parry edged a 2-1 lead early on, but the 21-year-old Filipino then reeled off 11 of the next 13 games to seal the match comfortably. She converted six of nine break point opportunities and lost serve only once in each set, a display that underlined how dangerous she can be at her best. Speaking after the match, Eala described it as a really good and tough first round, praising Parry for the strong season she has had.
What Comes Next for Eala
Eala also took a moment to acknowledge her passionate fanbase in the Philippines, saying their support makes her job fun even in the difficult moments. It was a warm and genuine note following a testing stretch on tour.
Her second-round opponent will be determined by the match between Diana Shnaider and Yulia Putintseva. A deep run could set up a potential quarter-final clash with fourth seed Iva Jovic, the player who eliminated Eala in the third round of the US Open. Eala is chasing her second WTA title, having won the Washington DC 500 event in August. TennisDraw users are keeping a close eye on her bracket position as the Ningbo draw continues to unfold.
