Alexandra Eala of the Philippines calls for a towel against Iga Swiatek of Poland during their match on Day 9 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP/File
MANILA -- Alex Eala’s 2025 season came to a close after a gripping three-set showdown against Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday night.
The Filipina sensation fought hard and even had a 4-1 lead in the deciding frame, but she eventually fell, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6.
Eala opened strong, taking the first set 6-3 with clean, confident hitting and deep groundstrokes that kept World No. 21 Mboko on the defensive.
But the momentum shifted in the second set as Mboko found her rhythm, breaking Eala’s serve to go up 4-2 and eventually leveling the match, 6-3, after a tight final game that saw three deuces.
READ: Alex Eala powers through Hong Kong Open Round of 16 after Boulter retires
In the decider, 20-year-old Filipina roared back from four double faults in one game to break early and lead 2-0. Though Mboko fought back to 2-1, Eala dazzled with an overhead stretch and a beautiful approach volley to regain the break at 3-1.
The crowd roared as Eala fired winners into the corners and pulled off a delicate drop shot to go up 4-1.
However, Mboko mounted a late surge, winning 5 straight games to seal the victory, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and advance to the quarterfinals to face World No. 35 Anna Kalinskaya.
Despite the loss, Eala ends her 2025 season with her head held high with continued support from the Filipino fans who cheered her on courtside in Hong Kong.
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