Alex Eala advances to Hong Kong Open Round of 16 after Boulter retires

Alex Eala’s first-round victory at the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open may not have ended the way anyone expected, but it still told the story of a young player finding her rhythm, poise, and purpose at the highest level of tennis.

The 20-year-old Filipina, now at a career-high world ranking of No. 51, was in full command against former British No. 1 Katie Boulter when misfortune struck.

 Leading 6-4, 2-1, Eala watched as her opponent, who reached the Hong Kong final just a year ago, was forced to retire mid-match due to injury.

It was a bittersweet moment under the cool night lights at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. The match’s early conclusion couldn’t overshadow how Eala had taken control of the contest — a performance that reflected not just her growing confidence, but her increasing ability to dictate play against experienced tour regulars. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

From the opening rally, Eala looked sharp and assured. She matched Boulter’s pace and power, countering the Briton’s flat groundstrokes with deep, spinning forehands that forced errors and opened up the court. 

When the pressure mounted, Eala stayed calm, breaking serve in the sixth game and surviving a tense exchange of breaks before finally sealing the opening set with nerves of steel — converting her third break point in a gripping 10th game that featured four deuces.

By the second set, Eala was in rhythm, quickly shaking off an early break to surge ahead 2-1. Her composed demeanor and tactical discipline — hallmarks of her training under Rafael Nadal’s academy in Spain — were once again on display. 

But just as the match seemed poised for another long, physical battle, Boulter grimaced, called for medical assistance, and tearfully retired moments later.

The abrupt ending didn’t diminish the significance of the win. For Eala, it was a measured rebound after her doubles campaign ended earlier in the week alongside Chan Hao-Ching of Taiwan, and another reminder that her transition to full-time WTA competition is steadily bearing fruit.

With her victory, Eala advances to face third seed Victoria Mboko of Canada, a close friend and fellow rising star, in what promises to be a thrilling second-round showdown between two of the next generation’s brightest talents.

For the Filipina ace, the goal now isn’t just winning matches — it’s sustaining momentum in a season that has already seen her break into the world’s top 60 and compete toe-to-toe with established names. Every performance, even the unfinished ones, feels like another step closer to belonging among the sport’s elite.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!