Eala Exits Doubles, Begins Quest for Hong Kong Open Title
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala exited the doubles tournament at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Eala and her partner, Taiwanese player Chan Hao-ching, faced off against the Russian duo of Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Kamilla Rakhimova. The match ended with a score of 6-3, 6-1, 10-6, marking a disappointing moment for Eala’s fans who had gathered to support her.
Insights from Eala’s Press Conference
Following the match, Eala addressed the media, viewing the loss as a “blessing in disguise.” She expressed relief, stating it would alleviate some pressure ahead of her singles match scheduled for tomorrow, where she is set to compete against Katie Boulter from the United Kingdom.
A Last Tournament for 2023
Eala emphasized her determination, saying, “I’m hungry for one last hurrah,” as the Hong Kong Open is her final tournament of the year. This sentiment resonated with her fans, many of whom had traveled from the Philippines to cheer her on.
The Match Breakdown
- First Set: Eala and Chan started strong, displaying excellent teamwork and sharp volleys.
- Second Set: The Russian pair quickly gained momentum, leading 5-0 before winning the set.
- Tiebreaker: Sasnovich and Rakhimova maintained their advantage, closing the match decisively.
Despite the defeat, Eala remained a fan favorite. After the match, supporters cheered enthusiastically as she exited the court, eagerly awaiting autographs. She happily signed hats and balls for her fans, reinforcing her status as a beloved figure in the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the Russian pairing will advance to face Moyuki Uchijima from Japan and Sabrina Santamaria from the United States on October 30. Meanwhile, Eala’s supporters, some of whom reserved accommodations until November 2, are hopeful for her upcoming singles performance.
