Alex Eala advanced to the Round of 16 of the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open singles after her opponent, Katie Boulter, retired due to injury during their match on the evening of October 28.
Could’ve Been Another 3-Set Slug Fest?
Playing under the bright lights of center court and backed by a loud Filipino crowd at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre, the 20-year-old Filipina looked sharp from the opening game.
Eala started aggressively, holding serve comfortably and engaging in long baseline rallies that tested both players’ consistency and power.
The first set saw multiple service exchanges, with Eala breaking Boulter’s serve in the sixth game to lead 4-2. The former world No. 23, however, fought back immediately to level the score at 4-all.
Showing great composure, Eala held firm to regain the advantage and finally converted on her second break point after four deuces to take the opening set after 57 minutes of intense play.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 1: 6-4
Boulter began the second set with determination, breaking Eala’s serve early to take a 1-0 lead.
The Filipina quickly struck back with a break of her own before holding serve for 2-1.
However, during the changeover, Boulter called for a medical timeout and appeared visibly emotional. After consulting with the physio, she decided to retire from the match, ending the contest after 1 hour and 9 minutes.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 2: 2-1
The victory marked a much-needed morale boost for Eala, who had endured three consecutive first-round singles exits prior to this tournament.
It was also her first singles win in nearly a month, breaking a cold streak that began during her Asia swing in Suzhou.
Felt the “Home Court Advantage” in Hong Kong
Despite the unfortunate ending, Eala remained gracious and empathetic toward her opponent.
“I’m a little out of words. You know, I think this time of the year is a tough moment for a lot of players physically and mentally, being the end of the season. I hope that Katie can take this time to recover and just look back at her season proudly,” she said after the match.
Eala also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Filipino fans who filled the stands in Hong Kong.
“Hello mga kababayan. Maraming-maraming salamat sa mga nanonood ngayon, sa Pilipinas, sa mga bumiyahe—thank you so much,” she said in her post-match interview.
After the victory, she tossed souvenir balls into the crowd, signing autographs and taking photos with supporters who had traveled from across the region.
Her coach, Toto Joven, praised her composure and discipline:
“Maganda ‘yung serve, tiyak ‘yung return. Hinahabol niya, tiyaka factor ‘yung return niya,” he said, highlighting her improved consistency and confidence.
Evolving into her Peak: World No. 51 – Best of her Career
Before the match began, it was announced that the 2025 Guadalajara Champion had jumped into the world rankings and is now No. 51 which is the best of her career.
Eala is looking to carry her momentum deeper into the WTA 250 event. The win not only snapped her losing streak but also showcased her poise and focus amid high expectations.
The Hong Kong Open marks Eala’s sixth and final stop in her Asian tour, which also happens to be the one closest to home, following earlier stints in Jingshan, Wuhan, Japan, and Guangzhou.
Alex also lost in her last doubles tournament of the season in the evening of October 27 as her partnership with Hao-Ching Chan of Chinese Taipei ended after just 3-Sets.
Up Next: Round of 16 vs Victoria Mboko on October 30
Eala now moves on to the Round of 16, where she will face third seed Victoria Mboko of Canada, who is currently ranked No. 21 in the world.
The 19-year-old Mboko recently battled through a tough opener, defeating Australia’s Talia Gibson, 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-4, to set up the highly anticipated matchup.
This would be the first meeting between the two, with their Round of 16 Match scheduled on October 30, as the time is yet to be determined.
And as Alex looks ahead, she aims to cap off her season with confidence, wanting to end her 2025 season on a high note.
