Alex Eala beats Maria Sakkari to reach Hong Kong Open final
The world No. 17 Filipina will face American Claire Liu as she seeks her first WTA 250 title.
Alex Eala defeated Maria Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on November 7 to secure a place in the 2026 Hong Kong Open final. The Filipina, ranked world No. 17, came through a semifinal interrupted by several short rain delays.
After losing the second set, Eala opened the decider with a 3-0 lead and moved ahead 4-1. Sakkari, 31, then won three consecutive games to draw level at 4-4. Eala conceded just one point in the ninth game before closing out the match, with the Greek saving one match point.
Eala credited her decision to remain positive and mentally engaged for helping her through the contest. She said the interruptions required patience and gave her time to concentrate on the next point.
Her next opponent, world No. 102 Claire Liu, beat Russia’s Alexandra Shubladze 7-5, 6-4 in the other semifinal. The American won her only previous meeting with Eala, knocking her out in the opening round of the 2025 Guangzhou Open when Liu was ranked No. 305 and Eala was in the top 50.
Hong Kong will be Eala’s last official tournament of the year. She is due to return to the Philippines for a homecoming celebration at the Philippine Arena on December 8.
