FILIPINO  tennis standout Alexandra Eala bowed out in the opening round of the Australian Open singles on Monday after yielding to American Alycia Parks, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6, at Melbourne Park.

Eala came out strong before a packed and lively crowd on Court 6, taking full control of the opening set. However, Parks regrouped in the next two frames, unleashing 12 aces and raising the intensity to turn the match around and secure a spot in the second round.

The American, backed by her power game and improved aggression, brushed off the partisan crowd that repeatedly cheered for Eala, chanting “Let’s go Alex,” as the match wore on.

“It was very challenging. I knew the crowd would be behind her, and they really were,” Parks said after the match. “I just focused on staying locked in and sticking to my game.”

Parks, a former world No. 40 in 2023, will next face Czech Karolina Muchova, the tournament’s 19th seed, who advanced after defeating Romania’s Jacqueline Cristian in straight sets.

Despite the singles setback, Eala leaves Melbourne encouraged by recent milestones. She recently climbed to a career-high world ranking of No. 49 following a semifinal finish at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

Eala remains in contention at the Australian Open and is set to compete in the doubles event on Tuesday, partnering with Brazilian Ingrid Martins. The pair will open their campaign against Poland’s Magda Linette and Japan’s Shuko Aoyama.