Alex Eala’s next opponent at the Canadian Open reveals how she plans to block out the crowd noise ahead of their match

The Filipina recently clinched her first WTA title by winning the Washington Open, beating Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula en route to hoisting the trophy.

Alexandra Eala will win __ WTA titles during her career

Fill in the blank in the comments!

Eala has picked up where she left off in Canada and will now take on Caty McNally in the next round, who spoke ahead of their clash.

Caty McNally speaks ahead of the clash with Alex Eala

In an interview with Dyan Castillejo, McNally said of Eala: “It’s incredible. I mean, what she’s doing for tennis is unreal and selling out stadiums.

“So for me, to have this experience, it’s a win-win, I think, because I’m only going to learn from it.

“And obviously, she’s been playing some really good tennis. So I’m just excited. You know, hopefully it’s a great crowd and a good atmosphere, and I can enjoy it.”

Alexandra Eala will finish 2026 ranked — in the world

Fill in the blanks!

Asked what weapons she has that can damage Eala, McNally replied: “I don’t know if I want to give those away.

“I think my game brings a lot of variety, and I think if I can do that tomorrow, that’s what I want to do. I want to play my game. I want to be the one playing on my terms.”

Discussing the task of going up against both Eala and her rabid fans, the American said: “Hopefully I can just bank on my experience of those [types of] matches.

“And really, this is going to be a good test of my routines and the work I’ve been doing mentally and trying to really hone in on that and block everything else out.

“But also, part of me wants to accept what’s going on around and enjoy it and take it in. You know, it’s a great experience.”

Caty McNally reacts to beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova

McNally booked her place in the third round of the Canadian Open by beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

She was down 5-1 in the first set to Noskova, but fought back to win in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1.

Talking about her win, McNally said: “It’s never easy. I think it can happen to anyone out there. Anyone can be up 4-0, 5-0, and things can change. So I think it’s really about just sticking in there and trying to find your game.

“And for me, it was trying to embrace discomfort out there. And eventually I was able to find my game and, yeah, just make her uncomfortable and kind of do what I do well. But it was a great experience. And, you know, she’s such a dangerous player and coming off a Wimbledon title.

“You never know what you’re going to get. So I’m just proud of how I was able to hang in there when things were tricky and kind of ride it through.

“I think I just kept my energy up and tried to play one point at a time. Try not to think too far ahead. Try not to look across the net either and see how she was, you know, maybe energy-wise, emotionally, physically.

“And I think that was the biggest thing, sticking to my routines and playing my game.”

McNally, aged 24, is currently ranked 38th in the world, having been as high as 11th.