Alex Eala loses Hong Kong Open final to Claire Liu
Philippine tennis player Alex Eala was defeated in the Hong Kong Open final by American Claire Liu in straight sets.
Philippine tennis player Alex Eala lost to Claire Liu of the United States in the final of the Hong Kong Open. Liu, ranked 102nd in the world, won the match in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-0, securing her first tour title.
Eala, the second seed in the tournament, was visibly emotional after the match, describing the past season as "life-changing." The 21-year-old has achieved a career-high ranking of 17th in the world after winning her first WTA Tour title in Washington, DC, in August, becoming the first player from the Philippines to do so.
Eala, who is expected to rise to world number 15 next week, started the year ranked 50th. She finished the final with strapping on her right leg.
Source: Al Jazeera