Alex Eala bows to Liu in Hong Kong Open finals

MANILA, Philippines — Gunning to end her final tournament of the year with a bang, Filipina tennis ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala fell short in her bid to capture her second World Tennis Association (WTA) title after bowing to World No. 95 Claire Liu of the United States, 3-6, 0-6, in the finals of the 2026 Hong Kong Open at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium on Sunday. World No. 17 Alex Eala faded in the final after navigating a brutal path that included grueling marathon-like matches over Tereza Valentova, Antonia Ruzic, and Maria Sakkari before stepping into the finals. In contrast to the Filipina, the American has not dropped a set all week, giving her the advantage when it comes to endurance. Liu took the first blow after a 6-3 win in the opener, as Eala was seen aiding her right leg. The second frame was a punisher for both netters as it took 11 deuces before Liu earned a point. Eala held the first seven break points before Liu handed her a heartbreak and scored a game, 1-0. The Filipina was visibly exhausted and frustrated, which led Liu to extend her rally to win seven games in a row, 5-0. Liu earned her first-ever WTA title after...