Alex Eala set for Australian Open main draw debut vs Alycia Parks

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala has drawn quite a challenge for her 2026 Australian Open main draw debut, as she is set to face American power hitter Alycia Parks when the season’s first Grand Slam gets underway in Melbourne.

Currently ranked No. 49 in the WTA, Eala will take on the No. 100-ranked Parks in what will be their first-ever meeting on the WTA Pro Tour. The American, however, brings pedigree to the matchup, having reached a career-high world ranking of No. 40 in August 2023.

Parks is no stranger to the Grand Slam stage. She made her majors debut at the 2021 US Open and has enjoyed her best run at the Australian Open, where she reached the Round of 32 in 2024.

In 2025, Parks competed in the main draws of the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, bowing out in the opening round of each.

For Eala, the matchup marks another milestone. While she has already made main draw appearances at the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, this will be her first time competing in the Australian Open main draw, completing the set of Grand Slam appearances.

The 20-year-old arrives in Melbourne in strong form, coming off a semifinal run at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. She also picked up momentum with a straight-sets win over Donna Vekic in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic, her final tune-up before the Grand Slam.

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Eala’s Australian Open campaign could have implications beyond Melbourne. Her participation will determine whether she can join the Philippine Women’s Open scheduled for January 26, which coincides with the second week of the Australian Open.

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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.

Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.