Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra 'Alex' Eala advanced to the finals of the 2026 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open after defeating Greece's Maria Sakkari in a rain-interrupted semifinal on Saturday, November 7.
The 21-year-old Eala overcame the fourth-seeded Sakkari, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, in a grueling two-hour-and-43-minute match at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.
Despite multiple rain interruptions, the second-seeded Filipina maintained her composure to secure the victory and book her place in the championship round.
Eala started strong in the opening set, overcoming Sakkari's resistance to take it, 7-5. However, the Greek veteran bounced back in the second set, 6-3, to force a decider.
In the deciding set, Eala established a 4-1 advantage, but Sakkari rallied to level the score at 4-4.
The Filipina eventually regained control and closed out the match, taking advantage of crucial opportunities to seal her semifinal victory.
Following her victory, Eala said the repeated rain delays tested her patience and focus but also gave her time to regroup and concentrate on the next points.
The win marks Eala's third career final on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour and her second final appearance this year.
She is now set to face American Claire Liu in the championship match on Sunday, November 8, as she seeks her second WTA Tour singles title following her maiden championship victory in Washington, D.C., last August.
Eala also climbed to a career-high No. 15 in the WTA live rankings following her semifinal triumph.
The Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA 250 tournament held from November 2 to 8 at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.
