Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s Hong Kong Open campaign came to an end in the Round of 16 following a tight three-set loss to Canada’s Victoria Mboko, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Eala started the match strongly, taking the first set after racing to a 3-0 lead, but Mboko fought back in the second and third sets.
In the decisive set, Eala held a 4-1 advantage before Mboko won five straight games to advance to the quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Filipina concluded a breakthrough season marked by a career-high world ranking of No. 51, a WTA title in Guadalajara, and the Philippines’ first-ever US Open main draw win.
"What a match to end the season. I enjoyed every minute I spent on court," Eala said in an Instagram post.
She also recognized the fans who had been with her through the game, making it a memorable moment in her career.
Despite her Hong Kong exit, Eala’s performances this year reflected steady growth and established her as one of the rising stars on the WTA Tour.
