Eala settles for runner-up finish
ALEX Eala absorbs a 6-3, 6-0 defeat to world No. 102 Claire Liu of the United States on Sunday in the final of the Hong Kong Tennis Open.
PETER PARKS/agence france-presse
Alex Eala fell short of capturing her second Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title after suffering a 3-6, 0-6 defeat to world No. 102 Claire Liu of the United States on Sunday in the Hong Kong Tennis Open final.
The 21-year-old Filipina played for 93 minutes in her final tournament of the season before bowing to the 26-year-old American of Chinese lineage.
Despite the loss, Eala remained gracious in defeat, congratulating Liu for her impressive campaign.
“I want to congratulate Claire on an amazing tournament, a great week and a great match. Very, very well deserved. Congratulations,” Eala said.
“As I wrap up this year, you guys do not know how much meaning you add to what I do and how much of a pleasure it is to go about my life sharing these moments with you all. I’m forever grateful.”
Although she failed to end her season with another trophy, Eala had plenty of reasons to celebrate after breaking into the WTA’s top 20 for the first time in her career.
“This season has just changed my life. It’s changed my life for the better,” Eala said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve put in this year. We’re the only ones who truly know what it took to arrive at this point in our journey. So thank you so, so much.”
Liu took the opening set, 6-3, after the two players traded service holds through the first seven games.
Following a medical timeout for Eala, the 26-year-old Liu broke the Filipina’s serve in the eighth game before holding her own to clinch the set.
Liu carried her momentum into the second set, breaking Eala’s serve three consecutive times to build a commanding 5-0 advantage.
She then held serve to complete the 6-0 sweep and seal the straight-set victory.
Despite the defeat, Eala took home $22,125 (around P1.4 million) for reaching the final.
Her campaign in Hong Kong is also expected to propel her to a new career-high ranking of world No. 15.
“It’s been like four years since my last final. So, I am really happy to get this one. The crowd was amazing,” said Liu, who had beaten Eala in the Guangzhou Open last year.