Alex Eala outlasts Tereza Valentova to advance to Hong Kong Open quarterfinals

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 06, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AFP

Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala battled through a tense two-set encounter against Czech opponent Tereza Valentova to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Thursday.

The second-seeded Eala prevailed, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7), ending her losing streak against the 19-year-old Czech after dropping their previous two meetings.

Eala started strongly, building a 3-0 advantage in the opening set. Valentova fought her way back to level the score at 4-4, but the Filipina held her ground, saving three break points before taking the next two games to close out the set.

The second frame proved more demanding as Valentova gained momentum and moved ahead 4-2. Eala responded with a determined comeback, eventually forcing a tiebreak after the players traded games.

The Filipina raced to a 5-0 lead in the decider, but Valentova refused to give in, saving three match points to keep the contest alive. Eala eventually converted her fourth match point to seal the victory after nearly two hours on court.

The win marked Eala’s first career triumph over Valentova and improved her 2026 season record to 38 victories, according to tournament coverage.

Ranked No. 17 in the world, Eala will next face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic in the quarterfinals on Friday. Ruzic advanced after defeating China’s Wang Xinyu in three sets.

Eala is seeking another deep run on the WTA Tour following her title-winning campaign at the Washington Open earlier this year.