Alex Eala and her fans sent touching message by Claire Liu after Hong Kong Open final win
After beating Alex Eala 6-3, 6-0 in the Hong Kong Open final, Claire Liu confessed her opponent is ‘the best person to lead the charge for women’s tennis,’ as the pair exchanged touching words.
Liu and Eala battled for 90 minutes in Hong Kong; the Filipina tennis star, who won her first-ever WTA Tour-level Singles title previously in 2026, was limited to just three games won.
Liu was full of praise for her 21-year-old opponent post-match, describing her as “such an inspiration… I can think of no better person to lead the charge for women’s tennis.”
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Claire Liu ‘tears up’ at impact of Alex Eala on women’s game after Hong Kong Open final
Liu faced Tatiana Prozorova, Katie Boulter, Zeynep Sonmez, Alexandra Shubladze, and Eala in Hong Kong, winning all five matches at the Open without dropping a set.
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In doing so, the American denied her Filipina opponent – who has created an unprecedented ‘Eala effect’ recognised by WTA organisers across North America – a second Tour title of the year.
“I want to say congratulations to Alex,” began Liu. “I was tearing up in your speech. I can think of no better person to lead the charge for women’s tennis.
“I’m tearing up now,” continued the American, pausing. “I feel like you’re such an inspiration; you’ve had such an amazing year.
“I’m so excited for what you do next year. Also, congratulations to your team,” concluded the world No. 102.
Eala started the match in Hong Kong strongly, breaking Liu to love as she took a 2-1 lead. The Filipina’s opponent broke back for 2-2, and took a non-break lead at 4-3.
Eala called for a medical timeout, consulting with her trainer and returning to face Liu with wrapping around her right thigh.
After this pause, the 21-year-old failed to win another game against her American peer until the match’s conclusion, when Liu was crowned champion.
The second set amounted to an American bagel; despite Liu’s 6-0 domination, Eala battled for 55 minutes and 70 points in Hong Kong through, presumably, injury.
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Alex Eala issues teary post-loss speech that makes Claire Liu emotional
Nearing the end of her breakout 2026 season, during which Eala took the world of WTA Tour tennis by storm, the Filipina athlete was left emotional after losing to Liu.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate Claire on an amazing tournament, a great week and a great match,” began the 21-year-old, who led a stunning WTA statistic in 2026 ahead of Grand Slam winners Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova. “Very, very well deserved, congratulations.
“And I'd like to thank the tournament staff, and the organisers, for the amazing hospitality. And, of course, the fans. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“Wrapping 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,” confessed Eala. “And, of course, last but not least, my team, my parents. My brother, my coach, and my two other coaches. This season has just… it's changed my life. It's changed my life for the better and...”
After an emotional pause, the Filipina star continued: “I'm incredibly proud of the work we've put in this year. And we're the only ones who truly know what it has taken to arrive at this point in our journey.
“So thank you, so, so much, congratulations. This is only the beginning, and this one, like all of them, is ours."
Hong Kong is set to be the Filipina’s final tournament of the WTA season; fans can expect to see Eala on their screens once more in January 2027.
Kedar Bayley
