Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala delivered a statement victory at the 2026 Hong Kong Tennis Open, overcoming a fierce challenge from Czech rival Tereza Valentová, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7), on Thursday, November 5. Displaying remarkable resilience and nerves of steel, the second-seeded Filipina avenged two previous defeats against Valentová to secure her quarterfinal berth.
Eala started strong, racing to a 3-0 lead before Valentová fought back to level the opening set at 4-4. The Filipina remained composed, breaking serve in the tenth game to claim the set.
The second set brought more drama as Valentová surged ahead 5-3. Eala mounted an impressive comeback, eventually forcing a tiebreak.
Eala raced to a commanding 5-0 tiebreak lead, but Valentová fought back, saving three match points. Undeterred, Eala held her nerve and sealed the victory on her fourth match point.
Leaving it all on the court 😮💨
Alex Eala defeats Valentova in straight sets and books her spot into the Hong Kong quarterfinals.
#PHKTO2026 https://t.co/5BXfBE4epf
— wta (@WTA) November 5, 2026
The hard-fought triumph marked Eala’s first career win against Valentová after two previous losses.
Eala now faces Croatia’s Antonia Ružić in the quarterfinals, keeping her Hong Kong Open title hopes alive and giving Filipino tennis fans another reason to celebrate.
