Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala showed her tenacity as she advanced into the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open after World No. 79 Katie Boulter retired in the second set, with Eala leading 6-4, 2-1 on Tuesday.
Eala started strong, holding serve comfortably in the opening game before engaging Boulter in long, baseline-heavy rallies. The Briton responded with her trademark variety, mixing in clever drop shots to level the set early at 1-1.
Both players traded holds in a tightly contested first set, with Eala drawing first blood in the sixth game after breaking Boulter on her third breakpoint opportunity. Although the world No. 58 briefly broke back, Eala regained momentum to close out the set, 6-4, backed by loud cheers from the Filipino crowd in the stands.
Tennis: Alex Eala enters Hong Kong campaign with new career-high
In the second set, both players exchanged early breaks before Eala held for 2-1. Moments later, Boulter called for the trainer and appeared emotional, eventually deciding to retire from the match. When interviewed, Eala wished Boukter a speedy recovery as she thanked Filipinos for the incredible support
Eala celebrated the hard-fought win by tossing souvenir balls to the Pinoy-dominated crowd, thanking fans for their support.
After the match, fans rushed to have Eala’s autograph and selfies.
Her longtime coach Toto Joven, who flew in from the Philippines, praised her composure and aggressive play.
“Maganda ‘yung serve, tiyak ‘yung return,” Joven said. “Hinahabol niya, tiyaka factor ‘yung return niya.”
With the victory, Eala continues her impressive run on the WTA Tour and secures a spot in the tournament’s Round of 16 against third seed and World No. 21 Victoria Mboko.