Alex Eala began her campaign at the 2026 WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on a winning note after overcoming Australian Emerson Jones, 6-4, 6-3, in the opening round on Tuesday evening, November 3.
Eala was originally scheduled to face American Alycia Parks, but the latter withdrew shortly before their encounter because of a shoulder injury, allowing Jones to enter the main draw as a lucky loser.
The Australian had previously fallen to Russia’s Alexandra Shubladze in the final round of qualifying but was given another opportunity following Parks’ withdrawal.
Still a Strong Start for Alex Eala
Despite the unexpected change in opposition, Eala quickly settled into the match and established control through her aggressive baseline play.
The Filipina initially faced some resistance from Jones, who opened the contest with a strong service game, but Eala gradually found her rhythm and put together a series of effective forehand winners and composed exchanges to take an early advantage.
She eventually built a commanding 4-0 lead in the opening set, putting herself in a favorable position to take the first frame.
However, Jones refused to allow the opening set to slip away without a fight, taking advantage of Eala’s inconsistent service games to gradually work her way back into the contest.
The 18-year-old Aussie found an opening by breaking the Filipina’s serve before collecting consecutive games to reduce the deficit to 4-3. Eala attempted to regain control by halting Jones’ momentum, securing another break to move ahead 5-3, but the world No. 132 responded with another service break of her own to bring the score to 5-4.
Nevertheless, Eala demonstrated composure under pressure, winning four consecutive points as the Australian committed several costly errors, including a double fault, allowing the Filipina to close out the opening set, 6-4.
Alex Eala Avoids Second-Set Meltdown
The second set initially followed a similar pattern, with both players continuing to experience difficulties holding their respective service games.
Eala eventually created separation by breaking Jones and establishing a 3-1 advantage before strengthening her position with a comfortable service hold to move ahead, 4-1.
The world No. 17 Filipina continued applying pressure and secured another break to establish a commanding 5-1 cushion, bringing her within a game of victory.
Jones, however, managed to extend the contest by taking advantage of two consecutive double faults from Eala to recover one break and subsequently hold serve, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
Having already experienced a difficult closing stretch in the opening set, Eala made sure not to allow another comeback to develop.
She regrouped in the ninth game, produced a strong service performance, and eventually sealed the match, 6-3, to complete her straight-sets victory.
Up Next: Round of 16 vs. Tereza Valentova
The victory gave Eala a positive start to her final tournament appearance of the 2026 season, following her quarterfinal run at the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
With Jones now behind her, the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate turns her attention to a familiar opponent in Czech teenager Tereza Valentova.
The upcoming Round of 16 encounter presents another challenge for the second seed, considering that Valentova previously defeated her in both of their meetings, including their matches at the 2025 Japan Women’s Open and the Qatar Open.
Alex Eala Next Match
Tournament: WTA 250 Hong Kong Open
Event: Singles — Round of 16: Alex Eala vs. Tereza Valentova
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 2:00 p.m. (Time subject to change.)
