Filipina tennis star Alex Eala faced another tough defeat as she ended her 2025 season at the WTA Hong Kong Open. In a closely contested match against Canada’s Victoria Mboko, the world No. 51 Eala lost with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. This marks the fourth time in her last six tournaments that Eala has failed to close out a match after taking an early lead in the first set.
Eala started strong, showcasing her talent with an impressive performance in the third set where she took a 2-0 lead and soon led 4-1. However, her momentum faltered, allowing Mboko to regain control and ultimately wrest the match away with a remarkable five-game run. The match concluded dramatically as Eala’s final shot hit the net, sealing her defeat and the disappointment of the Filipino audience in attendance.
Since her breakthrough victory at the Guadalajara Open this year, Eala has struggled during her Asian tour. Despite her initial success, she has faced a series of heart-wrenching losses, particularly losing leads in high-pressure situations, which highlights a challenging end to her competitive season.
Her recent tournaments included stops in various cities across China and Japan, reflecting a grueling schedule that has tested her both physically and mentally. After concluding her hardcourt campaigns, Eala now looks ahead to a two-month break for rest and retraining, focusing on her preparations for the 2026 Australian Open.
Despite these setbacks, there is optimism for Eala’s future as she continues to build her skills and experience on the professional circuit. With youth on her side, the 20-year-old has ample time to refine her game and bounce back stronger in the upcoming season.