World No. 20 Alex Eala wins big ahead of National Bank Open

The GIST: Fresh off her historic DC Open victory, 21-year-old world No. 20 Alex Eala — the first Filipino to win a WTA title — is the player to know ahead of this week’s National Bank Open. From her meteoric rise to her powerful ball-striking, here’s why Eala’s been called the most exciting player on the WTA tour.

🎾 A product of the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala’s been on the radar of tennis fans for a few years. Her DC win, along with several deep tournament runs over the past two seasons, catapulted the youngster to No. 20 in the world rankings before she graces the Canadian hard courts, a surface she loves.

• Eala’s unique left-handed grip and strong return game are perfect for the faster rallies the North American hard courts are known for. Plus, her serve — an area for improvement — is trending up as the US Open looms at the end of the month.

👀 Eala’s opening National Bank Open match is already sold out as she prepares to face American Alycia Parks tonight at 8:10 p.m. ET. What’s more, she also received the Canadian Open’s final doubles wildcard to compete with a little someone named Venus Williams beginning tomorrow. The definition of must-see TV.