Alex Eala in tears after losing Hong Kong Open final to Claire Liu
Philippines trailblazer Eala stunned by Liu in Hong Kong final
Alex Eala, a Philippines tennis trailblazer, was reduced to tears after losing the Hong Kong Open final to Claire Liu. The second-seeded Eala, currently ranked 17th in the world, was defeated 6-3, 6-0 in the tournament's final. This was Liu's first WTA Tour title, marking her breakthrough season. Eala, who started the year ranked 50th, had a breakout year as the first player from the Philippines to win a tournament on the WTA Tour.
The 21-year-old's career-high ranking of 17 came after clinching her maiden title in Washington DC in August. Eala, visibly emotional, acknowledged the hard work they put into the season, stating, "This is only the beginning."
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