Eala Reaches Hong Kong Open Final After Rain-Hit Semifinal, Set for Revenge Match
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala (Alexandra Eala) defeated former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari of Greece in a rain-interrupted semifinal at the Prudential Hong Kong Open on Saturday, advancing to her second WTA final of the season. The 21-year-old world No. 17 overcame Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in 2 hours and 43 minutes at Victoria Park's Centre Court. She will face American-Chinese player Liu Jingwen in Sunday's championship match, seeking revenge for a defeat at last October's Guangzhou Open. Eala, who won the Washington WTA 500 title in August 2026 and reached the Wimbledon 16th round in July, credited her patience and focus during the rain delays for her victory .
Key Points
- Eala defeated Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 after multiple rain interruptions disrupted the match every two to three games
- The Filipino star claimed her third career WTA final and second of the season, having also reached the Washington WTA 500 final in August
- Eala previously defeated Czech player Tereza Valentova 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) in the round of 16 on Thursday, avenging two prior losses
- The semifinal attracted overwhelming support with over 80% of the crowd being Filipino fans waving flags and wearing paper crowns
- Liu Jingwen advanced by defeating Russian qualifier Alexandra Shubladze 7-5, 6-4, reaching her second career WTA final
Why It Matters
The Hong Kong Open final represents a significant milestone for both Eala and Asian tennis. Eala's continued success demonstrates the rising competitiveness of Southeast Asian players on the WTA Tour, inspiring a new generation of Filipino tennis players while deepening Hong Kong's reputation as a premier sporting destination that draws international stars and passionate fan bases .