Alex Eala finally snapped her singles losing skid, advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2025 Hong Kong Open after Katie Boulter was forced to retire due to injury.
After a string of early exits, Alex Eala finally got a break go her way.
However, Eala's first singles win after five matches came at the expense of an unfortunate injury as British challenger Katie Boulter was forced to retire from their first round duel at the Hong Kong Open on Tuesday, October 28.
At the time of stoppage, Eala was up 1-0 in sets and was leading the second frame, 2-1. The walkover win allowed the Filipina ace to snap a four-game singles losing skid dating back to Suzhou earlier this month.
In the first set, the world no. 51 capitalized on her third break-point opportunity to beat Boulter’s serve for a 4-2 lead.
The Brit, however, fought back and claimed the next two games to tie things up.
Not to be denied, Eala responded with composure and secured the last two games and wrapped up the first set in 56 minutes with a booming forehand winner.
Up next for the 20-year-old Eala is third seed Victoria Mboko, who battled through an opening-set stumble to defeat Aussie challenger Talia Gibson, 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-4, in the Round of 32.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.