Alex Eala, Chan Hao-ching bow out early in Hong Kong Open after narrow doubles heartbreaker

Alex Eala’s Hong Kong Open campaign got off to a tough start as she and partner Chan Hao-ching suffered a heartbreaking 6-3, 1-6, 7-10 defeat to the tandem of Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Kamilla Rakhimova in the Round of 32 on Monday, October 27.

The Filipino-Taiwanese duo looked in command early, racing to a 4-1 lead and pocketing the opening set in just 37 minutes.

 Eala’s aggression from the baseline and Chan’s net awareness proved a strong combination — the pair hit a 71% first-serve rate and converted two break opportunities to stay within striking distance throughout the match. 

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After her doubles early exit in the Hong Kong Open, Alex Eala expresses that she’s now focused on tomorrow’s singles match

“This is my last tournament of the season so I’m super happy with everything I’ve achieved this year and I’m hungry for one last hurrah,” Eala said. pic.twitter.com/d6z9e70TpF

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) October 27, 2025

But Sasnovich and Rakhimova’s composure in the clutch moments made the difference. The experienced duo saved key points late and capitalized on three of nine break chances, winning the match tiebreak 10-7 to seal their advance.

The numbers reflected just how tight the encounter was: total points stood at 62-54, with Eala and Chan even leading several momentum stretches, including a three-game run midway through. 

However, the turning point came when they trailed 1-5 in the decider — a gap they nearly erased before running out of time.

Eala, ranked World No. 51, entered the tournament on a doubles high after reaching the semifinals at the Guangzhou Open with Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok. 

Despite the early Hong Kong exit, the 20-year-old Filipina remains upbeat as she shifts focus to her singles campaign, where she opens against British No. 1 Katie Boulter on Tuesday for a spot in the Round of 16.

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