Playing in the Hong Kong Tennis Open isn’t just another Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event for Filipino star Alex Eala.

It was a homecoming for her as it has been eight years since the last time she competed in Hong Kong.

With a strong Filipino community cheering her on, the 20-year-old Eala felt it was a full-circle moment for her to play in front of the crowd.

“I feel so at home, and I feel so much love. I really enjoy playing here,” Eala said.

“This is my first time playing here as a professional. I remember I used to play here as a 12-year-old and just enjoyed it. It’s such a full-circle moment to be here again.”

Coming off a 6-4, 2-1 (ret.) victory over Katie Boulter of Great Britain last Tuesday in the Round of 32, Eala said she still enjoys the game despite now facing tougher and stronger opponents.

“So many things have changed since then, but my love for tennis has remained, and how much fun I have on court is still the same,” Eala said.

“This is my last tournament of the season so I’m super happy with everything I’ve achieved this year and I’m hungry for one last hurrah,” Eala said.

At press time, Eala is facing world No. 21 and Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko of Canada in the Round of 16 for a victory that would put her closer to a WTA crown.

Eala’s coach Sandro Viaene lauded her ward’s maturity as she was able to keep her emotions in check despite the roar from the crowd.

“The crowd was with her, big expectations. So, it’s not easy. She managed super well.”

“I’m proud of the aggressiveness she had and the attitude she had during the match. Then for Mboko, it’s a very good match and we are excited to play against her.”

The year 2025 will go down as Eala’s breakout season.

After years of competing, Eala made a name for herself in the Miami Open last March, beating Grand Slam champions like Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland on her way to the semifinal.

Since that magical run, Eala made it to the Top 100 of the WTA rankings, giving her access to WTA 1000 and Grand Slam tournaments.

Her biggest triumph in a Grand Slam was at the US Open last August where she scored a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 victory over world No. 12 Clara Tauson of Denmark.

Now Eala has a chance to end her spectacular 2025 season with another WTA trophy after winning the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico last September.

However, the road to the Hong Kong Tennis Open title will be easier said than done as she will face sixth seed Anna Kalinskaya of Russia in the quarterfinal on Friday should she beat Mboko.

Filipino-Canadian star Leylah Fernandez and Maya Joint of Australia might cross paths with Eala if she gets past Kalinskaya.