Alex Eala is now just one victory away from lifting her second WTA trophy of the year as she prepares to face Claire Liu in the final of the 2026 WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open.
After defeating Emerson Jones, Tereza Valentova, Antonia Ruzic, and Maria Sakkari, can the Filipina superstar summon one more ounce of willpower to claim the title?
Claire Liu: Aiming for Her First-Ever WTA 250 Championship
The 26-year-old Liu has won three WTA 125 titles throughout her professional career, including the Barranquilla Open (KIA Open) in Colombia, which she won just last September.
At the ongoing tournament, the world No. 102 has managed to defeat Tatiana Prozorova, eighth-seeded Katie Boulter, Zeynep Sonmez, and Alexandra Shubladze.
Interestingly, the American has yet to drop a set at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, demonstrating just how strong and unpredictable she can be despite her relatively low ranking.
A Chance for Revenge and a Title Awaits Eala
This final serves not only as a dramatic climax to the last tournament the 21-year-old Eala will compete in this season but also gives her an opportunity to avenge her previous loss to Claire Liu.
In their Round of 32 encounter at last year’s Guangzhou Open, Liu managed to overcome a strong challenge from the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate, defeating her in three sets.
With Eala set to rise to world No. 15, the Filipina aims to capture her second WTA title of the year following her triumph at the Mubadala DC Open last August.
Alex Eala Next Match
Tournament: WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open
Event: Singles Final: Alex Eala vs. Claire Liu
Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: 4:00 p.m. (Time subject to change)
