Filipino tennis star Alex Eala put on a commanding display on Monday, defeating France’s Diane Parry in straight sets, 6–3, 6–1, to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 Ningbo Open. The match was the first meeting between the two. Both players captured their maiden WTA titles this year. Eala won the DC Open, and Parry won in Monterrey.
Entering the WTA 500 hard-court tournament looking to recapture her rhythm after an early exit at the 2026 Wuhan Open, the World No. 19 Eala wasted little time imposing her game against her 32nd-ranked opponent. From the baseline, Eala controlled the tempo, neutralizing Parry’s tactical variety and converting six out of her nine break-point opportunities to secure a comfortable victory in under two sets.
The victory serves as a crucial bounce-back performance for Eala following early exits in her previous Asian swing appearances. It also marks a successful start to her campaign in China, showcasing the resilience and form that earned her a maiden WTA title earlier in the season.
She gets it done ✅
Alexandra Eala defeats Parry 6-3, 6-1 and advances into the Round of 16 in Ningbo!
#NingboOpen https://t.co/rmHWtzKFGH
— wta (@WTA) October 19, 2026
With her ticket punched to the next round, Eala advances to face the winner of the match between Diana Shnaider and Yulia Putintseva as she continues her deep-run aspirations at the Ningbo Open.