Alexandra Eala's heart-warming Australian Open debut ends in a loss to Parks

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The long queue of fans outside Court 6, the chants of Alex, Alex, Alex and the fluttering Philippines flags all pointed to where Alexandra Eala was making her Australian Open main draw debut.

The 20-year-old Eala made the most of the football-style atmosphere in the first set Monday before Alycia Parks found a way to block all that out and rally for a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.

Eala has developed a big following in the last year after a breakthrough tournament in Miami where she beat four seeded players — including No. 2-ranked Iga Świątek — before losing in the semifinals. She reached the final at Eastbourne after going through qualifying in June.

He fan base expanded again when she beat Clara Tauson in a long third-set tiebreaker in the first round at the U.S. Open last year for her first win in a major. Sports fans in the Philippines have embraced her journey.

Organizers could easily have filled one of the big show courts at Melbourne Park for Eala's opener against Parks.

Filipino fans were still lined up outside in the third set. For those who got seats, Eala stayed long after Parks had left court and signed autographs.

“Yeah, it was so heart-warming,” she said. “That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder. The fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court, I really appreciate it. I felt so loved.

“But then again Alycia played really well. And you know I just hope that the support continues with the losses along with the wins. I think that would really touch me.”

The vociferous crowd was a distraction for Parks in the first set, but the 25-year-old American harnessed the emotions in the second.

“It was very difficult,” Parks said. “I was expecting it, but I wasn’t. She definitely has a good crowd. I just kept telling myself to stay in the zone.”

Parks got an early break in the second set before Eala rallied to get back on serve. Parks won the last three games to take it to a deciding third set, and then dominated.

“I was just so focused on the crowd in the first set, which is why it went the way it went,” she said. “I don’t know what my record is with crowds against me … It definitely puts a fire on me.”

While Parks advanced, Eala will have to use the singles loss as motivation for the doubles.

“I’m still young, 20, so learning how to deal with all of this attention,” she said. “I guess this is one of the moments that I can reflect on what this means for Philippine tennis. I’m the only Filipina in the draw this year. I’m the only Filipina that’s ever been in the draw, I think. So there are positives to take away.

“Like I said, so much gratitude and super thankful.” __

Supporters of Alexandra Eala of the Philippines react during her first round match against Alycia Parks of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines plays a backhand return to Alycia Parks of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts during her first round match against Alycia Parks of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Alycia Parks of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Alexandra Eala of the Philippines during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines waves to her supporters following her first round loss to Alycia Parks of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin))

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Duncan McGuire and Martín Ojeda each scored a goal on Saturday, Javier Otero had four saves, and Orlando City beat CF Montreal 2-1 to snap a three-game losing streak in interim coach Mark Perelman's debut.

Orlando City (1-3-0) and long-time coach Oscar Pareja mutually parted ways Wednesday.

Ojeda put away a first-touch shot from just beyond the penalty spot to make it 2-1 in the 31st minute. Iván Angulo ran onto a through ball played ahead by Marco Pasalic and tapped a pass backward to Ojeda for the finish.

McGuire's first goal of the season opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Angulo's shot from the left side of the area bounced off the near post and McGuire tapped the rebound into a wide-open net from the edge of the 6-yard box.

Prince Owusu went up high for a header off a corner kick played by Wikelman Carmona for Montreal (1-3-0) in the 24th minute.

Montreal's Thomas Gillier had four saves.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

CF Montreal forward Prince Owusu (9) heads the ball to score a goal off a corner kick against Orlando City defender Iago during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda, center, celebrates after scoring a goal against CF Montreal with forward Duncan McGuire (13) and Ivan Angulo during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda (10) takes a shot on goal ahead of CF Montreal defender Tomas Aviles (3) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda, left, moves the ball past CF Montreal midfielder Victor Loturi during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)