Eala bows to Mboko in Hong Kong Open, wraps up 2025 season

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala wrapped up her WTA 2025 season campaign after Canadian Victoria Mboko mounted a comeback victory in a three-set showdown, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the round of 16 of the Prudential Hong Kong Open 2025 in China, Oct. 30.

Despite a strong start, Eala eventually yielded to World No. 21 Mboko, who clawed her way back to complete the turnaround in a two-hour and 27-minute battle.

Eala opened with a fiery 3-0 lead before Mboko equalized at 3-all, but the 20-year-old Filipina regained her footing to take the next three games and secure the first set.

The second set saw a tight 2-all exchange before a gritty Mboko fended off Eala’s rallies and took the next four games to force a decider.

All Mboko needed to do was snap a hopeful Eala following a 4-1 choke, snatching the next five consecutive games to seal a 2-1 finish.

Based on the stats sheet, Eala committed only two double faults compared to her foes’ eight. However, the Canadian dominated with seven aces to Eala’s two and converted five of her nine break points, while Eala managed four out of 10.

The 20-year-old netter recently surpassed her previous career-high ranking of No. 53, now reaching World No. 51.

Following her career-defining Miami Open run earlier this year, Eala has etched her name in Philippine sports history as the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam Main Draw match at the US Open and later captured her maiden WTA 125 title in the Guadalajara Open.