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Alex Eala’s 7-Match Streak Ends with Bencic Loss

8/10/2026

33 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Eala Streak Ends

Alex Eala lost 4-6, 0-6 to 12th seed Belinda Bencic in the National Bank Open round of 16.
The defeat ended Eala’s seven-match North American hard-court winning streak, her longest to date.
Earlier in the week Eala captured the Washington title, becoming the first Filipino to win a WTA crown.
She will debut at the Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event, receiving a first-round bye.

Summary

Gauff Launches Enterprise

She created Coco Gauff Enterprises after joining WME in 2025 to manage off-court projects.
It includes about a dozen partners, a New Balance shoe deal, and an investment in Unrivaled.
The WTA records her 2026 prize money at $4,110,431, exceeding the tournament’s $7.43-million total purse.
At 22, she holds a 31-12 singles record for the season, showing deep major runs despite occasional double-fault lapses.

History

Historical Context

Li Na’s 2004 Guangzhou title made her China’s first WTA champion, and her 2011 French Open win – the first major by an Asian – sparked a surge that grew China’s tennis base to about 15 million players. That breakthrough paved the way for today’s Asian stars and drew the attention of the WTA and major brands.

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Eala Streak Ends

Alex Eala lost 4-6, 0-6 to 12th seed Belinda Bencic in the National Bank Open round of 16.
The defeat ended Eala’s seven-match North American hard-court winning streak, her longest to date.
Earlier in the week Eala captured the Washington title, becoming the first Filipino to win a WTA crown.
She will debut at the Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event, receiving a first-round bye.

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