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Alex Eala Faces Familiar Rival in Hong Kong Open After Last-Minute Opponent Change

Alexandra Eala secured a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3 victory over Emerson Jones in the round of 32 at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, advancing to the round of 16. The Filipina star, now ranked No.

17 globally—the highest for a Filipino singles player in WTA history—faces a rematch against Czech teenager Tereza Valentova, who holds a 2-0 career advantage over Eala. Their third meeting, scheduled for Thursday, could determine Eala’s quarterfinal push after her recent surge in form, including a Tokyo quarterfinals appearance.

Valentova, ranked No. 85, has dominated their prior clashes—winning in Osaka and Doha without dropping a set—while Eala enters with momentum from her career-best ranking and second seed in Hong Kong.

The clash marks a pivotal moment for Eala, who aims to cap a historic season with a title. A win would extend her title chase, while Valentova’s experience and past dominance add pressure.

The matchup, set for 2 p.m. Hong Kong time, will test Eala’s ability to break her losing streak against the Czech in her final tournament of the year.

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