Tearful Alex Eala loses Hong Kong Open final to Claire Liu in straight sets | Tennis
Eala Stunned in Hong Kong Open Final; Reflects on Breakout Year
Hong Kong (AP) — Philippine tennis star Alex Eala faced disappointment in the final of the Hong Kong Open on Sunday, suffering a 6-3, 6-0 defeat to American player Claire Liu, who is ranked 102nd. Liu secured her first WTA Tour title with the victory.
Eala, the second seed in the tournament, was visibly emotional following the match as she reflected on a “life-changing” season that has seen her rise to a career-high ranking of 17th in the world. The 21-year-old clinched her maiden title in August at a tournament in Washington, D.C., making her the first player from the Philippines to win on the WTA Tour.
“I started the year ranked 50th, and now I’m set to rise to number 15 next week,” Eala said after the match, while wearing heavy strapping on her right leg. “This season has changed my life; it’s changed my life for the better.”
Addressing her team in the stands, Eala expressed pride in their collective efforts throughout the year. “We’re the only ones that truly know what it took to arrive at this point in our journey,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”
