Second-seeded Alexandra Eala got her campaign at the 2026 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open off to a winning start on Tuesday, November 3, defeating Australian teenager Emerson Jones in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3, at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.
Eala, who recently reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 17, demonstrated poise against the 18-year-old lucky loser. Jones had stepped into the Round of 32 draw shortly before the match following the late withdrawal of American player Alycia Parks due to a shoulder injury.
On the front foot 👊
Alex Eala battled hard to defeat Jones 6-4, 6-3, and confirm her place in the Round of 16 in Hong Kong 👏
#PHKTO2026 https://t.co/hZabXcB3tK
— wta (@WTA) November 3, 2026
Eala stormed out of the gates, building a quick 4–0 lead in the opening set. Jones mounted a spirited comeback attempt, closing the gap to 4–3, but the Filipina star broke serve to take a 5–3 lead before serving out the opener 6–4.
Continuing to dictate from the baseline during the second set, Eala limited her errors and broke serve early, wrapping up the match in one hour and 23 minutes.
The win sends Eala to the Round of 16, where she will face Czech prospect Tereza Valentová.
