John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Article (news)

Alex Eala 

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:959px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176183197930217535751724211753575171177.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alexandra Eala of the Philippines calls for a towel against Iga Swiatek of Poland during their match on Day 9 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. <em>Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Alex Eala’s 2025 season came to a close after a gripping three-set showdown against Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday night.</p><p>The Filipina sensation fought hard and even had a 4-1 lead in the deciding frame, but she eventually fell, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6.</p><p>Eala opened strong, taking the first set 6-3 with clean, confident hitting and deep groundstrokes that kept World No. 21 Mboko on the defensive.</p><p>But the momentum shifted in the second set as Mboko found her rhythm, breaking Eala’s serve to go up 4-2 and eventually leveling the match, 6-3, after a tight final game that saw three deuces.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/10/28/alex-eala-powers-through-hong-kong-open-round-of-16-after-boulter-retires-2319"><strong>READ: Alex Eala powers through Hong Kong Open Round of 16 after Boulter retires</strong></a></div><p>In the decider, 20-year-old Filipina roared back from four double faults in one game to break early and lead 2-0. Though Mboko fought back to 2-1, Eala dazzled with an overhead stretch and a beautiful approach volley to regain the break at 3-1.</p><p>The crowd roared as Eala fired winners into the corners and pulled off a delicate drop shot to go up 4-1.</p><p>However, Mboko mounted a late surge, winning 5 straight games to seal the victory, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and advance to the quarterfinals to face World No. 35 Anna Kalinskaya.</p><p>Despite the loss, Eala ends her 2025 season with her head held high with continued support from the Filipino fans who cheered her on courtside in Hong Kong.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uhwq3L13UnE??si=xhLn3QvMdFypuFYB&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Alex Eala’s 2025 season came to a close after a gripping three-set showdown against Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday night.</p>

Alex Eala’s 2025 season came to a close after a gripping three-set showdown against Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday night.

Alex Eala exits Hong Kong Open after falling to Canadian rival

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Alex Eala exits Hong Kong Open after falling to Canadian rival

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 30, 2025 09:51 PM PHT

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Updated Nov 01, 2025 01:54 PM PHT

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Tennis

Alex Eala

Hong Kong Open

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