Sports

Eala Overcomes Valentova to Reach Hong Kong Open Quarterfinals

By Jasmine Payo

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala won a straight‑set match against Czech opponent Tereza Valentova, 6‑4, 7‑6(7), to secure a spot in the 2026 Hong Kong Open quarterfinals on Thursday, November 5. In the second set, Eala fell behind 5‑3 but rallied, breaking to lead 6‑5 after a three‑game turnaround. Valentova forced a tiebreak at 6‑6, and after a 5‑0 run in the race‑to‑seven, she answered with a 6‑1 burst to level the score again. Eala saved four match points, broke again, and closed the match with a final break and two points to deny the world No. 85. "It was really, really tough. I think Tereza played incredibly, and we were able to bring the match to a really high level, and I think that was reflected on the scores," Eala said. "Really happy with that win, I think I escaped by a little bit." The victory ended a yearlong losing streak against Valentova, who had previously defeated Eala 6‑1, 6‑2 at the 2025 Japan Open and 7‑6(6), 6‑1 at the 2026 Qatar Open. Eala will face world No. 81 Antonia Ruzic of Croatia in the quarterfinals on Friday, November 6, around 7:40 p.m. – Rappler.com