Alex Eala makes it to the 2026 Hong Kong Open finals
Alex Eala is officially a 2026 Hong Kong Open finalist after she defeated Greece's Maria Sakkari in the semifinals.
During the match on Nov. 7, Eala won the first two games with ease, but the contest grew tighter as the score reached 3-3. The two players continued trading games until the score was tied at 5-5. Play was briefly interrupted by light rain before Eala eventually claimed the first set, 7-5.
In the second set, Eala started slowly, with Sakkari earning the first three games before the game was suspended again for minutes. Eala later gained momentum and managed to tie the score at 40-40 and eventually earned her first point. Sakkari managed to hold and took back the lead again with 4-1. The Pinay athlete gained momentum and brought the score to 4-2.
Sakkari refused to give up the lead, clinching another point to make it 5-2. Eala earned another point before Sakkari won the second set with 6-3, forcing a deciding third set.
Eala started the third set strong and earned the three points, but Sakkari was quick to close the gap, earning her first point and then bringing the set to 4-4. The Filipina moves within a game of the final after holding serve for a 5-4 lead, then earns two match points at 40-15 following back-to-back short returns and a Sakkari double fault. She seals the win, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the finals.
Hong Kong Open is Eala's last campaign season for 2026. She is set to face Claire Liu of the US in the finals on Nov. 8.
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