Alex Eala fell short of securing her second WTA title after suffering a straight-set defeat to American Claire Liu, 6-3, in the Hong Kong Tennis Open final on Sunday, settling for a runner-up finish in her final tournament of the 2026 season.
Despite the disappointing result, the Filipina remained gracious in defeat, congratulating her opponent and thanking the tournament organizers, medical staff, and fans for their support.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate Claire on an amazing tournament, a great week and a great match. Very, very well-deserved congratulations,” Eala said.
“I’d like to thank the tournament staff and the organizers for the amazing hospitality, the physios for keeping me together. And of course, the fans. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Eala initially kept pace with Liu, recovering from an early deficit to level the opening set at 3-all. However, after the American moved ahead 4-3, the Filipina called for a medical timeout to have her right knee taped.
The interruption proved costly as Liu capitalized on Eala’s errors to claim the final two games and take the opening set.
Eala attempted to mount a response in the second set but could not overcome a stubborn Liu, who edged out a marathon opening game despite surrendering seven game points.
The American then shifted into another gear, sweeping the next five games to complete the victory and secure her first Hong Kong Tennis Open crown.
The triumph also gave Liu a second career victory over Eala, having previously defeated the Filipina in the Round of 32 of the 2025 Guangzhou Open.
Liu’s victory made her the first American to capture the Hong Kong Open title.
Eala, meanwhile, wrapped up an impressive 2026 campaign highlighted by several career-high rankings, her maiden WTA 500 championship at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, and a second WTA 125 title at the Birmingham Open.
