The rain delays couldn’t stop Alex Eala as she continued her run at 2026 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, overcoming former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari in the semifinals, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, to secure her place in the championship match.
Eala made an encouraging start against the fourth-seeded Greek, winning the opening 10 points of the match as Sakkari struggled to find her rhythm. The Filipina capitalized on her opponent’s early double faults to secure a break and establish a 2-0 advantage.
Sakkari gradually settled into the match, however, using her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes to work her way back. After Eala built a 3-1 lead, the Greek veteran won four of the next five games to move ahead, 5-4.
With the opening set slipping away from her, Eala responded by holding serve to level the score at 5-all. The 21-year-old then found another breakthrough on the return, breaking Sakkari in the 11th game before producing a composed service game to close out the set, 7-5.
Maria Sakkari Forces a Deciding Set After Taking Control
The second set presented a different challenge for the Filipina as Sakkari began to dictate the exchanges and put the Filipina under pressure with her serve.
The current world No. 30 quickly built a 3-0 lead, using her powerful first delivery and attacking play to prevent Eala from gaining momentum. Sakkari also produced several aces during the set, eventually finishing the match with 12, compared with Eala’s two.
The 21-year-old managed to get on the scoreboard and attempted to close the gap, but the Greek continued to maintain her advantage. The Filipina eventually found a breakthrough to cut the deficit to 5-3, but Sakkari responded by breaking her serve to take the second set, 6-3.
This semifinal also became a test of patience, as rain repeatedly interrupted play throughout the evening. With several suspensions affecting the match’s rhythm, both players had to remain focused despite the delays.
Eala Holds Her Nerve
With a place in the final at stake, Eala came out aggressively in the deciding set, immediately establishing a 3-0 advantage before extending her lead to 4-1 with a comfortable service hold.
The Filipina appeared to be in control, but Sakkari refused to surrender. The 31-year-old veteran raised her level, saving multiple break points and finding ways to disrupt Eala’s rhythm. She then recovered one break before winning another game to bring the deciding set level at 4-4.
The comeback placed Eala under pressure once again, but the Filipina managed to regroup when it mattered most. She delivered a crucial service hold in the ninth game, conceding only one point to move ahead, 5-4, and put the pressure back on Sakkari.
Serving to stay in the match, the Greek struggled to maintain her composure as errors began to creep into her game. A double fault gave the Philippine bet two match points, and although Sakkari saved the first with a forehand winner, her next backhand landed in the net.
Eala converted the opportunity to seal the deciding set, 6-4, completing the victory after two hours and 43 minutes of play.
Eala Sets Up Championship Showdown Against Claire Liu
With the semifinal victory secured, the Quezon City native is now one win away from claiming her second WTA Tour title and ending her 2026 campaign on a high note.
Standing in her way is American Claire Liu, who booked the other spot in the final after defeating Russian Alexandra Shubladze, 7-5, 6-4, in the earlier semifinal.
Alex Eala Next Match
Tournament: WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open
Event: Singles Finals: Alex Eala vs. Claire Liu
Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: TBD
