Photograph coutesy of Alex Eala/IG.
TENNIS

Mboko to test Eala's mettle

Ivan Suing

Alex Eala faces another great test in the Hong Kong Tennis Open as she takes on world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada in the Round of 16 on Thursday at Victoria Park.

The time of the match has yet to be revealed at press time as the 20-year-old Eala looks to continue her journey by pulling off an upset against the reigning Canadian Open champion.

Eala defeated world. No. 79 Katie Boulter of Great Britain as she withdrew in the middle of the match last Tuesday.

The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate was leading, 6-4, 2-1 when Boulter called for a medical timeout before she eventually withdrew from the tournament.

Even with the win, Eala hopes Boulter will be able to rest well and recover.

“I'm a little out of words, you know I think this time of the year is a tough moment for a lot of players physically and mentally, it being the end of the season,” Eala said after the match.

“I hope that Katie can take this time to recover and just look back at her season proudly.”