Eala defies last-minute switch to launch Hong Kong title bid

File Photo: Alexandra Eala defeated Emerson Jones 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of the Hong Kong Open 2026 on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Alex Eala overcame the jolt of a late change in opponent to begin her Hong Kong Open campaign with a straight-sets victory on Tuesday.

The Philippines trailblazer, now at a career-high ranking of 17 in the world, defeated Australia’s Emerson Jones 6-4, 6-3. She will next meet Czech player Tereza Valentova in the last 16.

Eala, 21, who earlier this year became the first Filipina to win a WTA Tour title, had been due to face Alycia Parks in her first match. However, the American withdrew at the last moment with an injury, handing 18-year-old lucky loser Jones a chance to cause an upset.

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Eala handled the switch calmly and, backed by a big contingent of her compatriots in the stands, wrapped up the win in 83 minutes.

“I’m definitely not used to my opponent changing that late,” said Eala, the second seed.

“It was just a new experience. I guess that’s the tour, you kind of have to be ready for anything.”

Eala said Hong Kong feels like a home event for her.

“I’ve been competing here ever since I was very young. I’ve been here many, many times,” she said.

“There’s a huge Filipino community, and the Hong Kong community has been very hospitable towards me, my family, my team, and all of the players.

“Besides it being geographically very close to home, it feels very familiar.”

Top seed Sorana Cirstea of Romania also advanced to the last 16, getting past Maria Timofeeva 7-6 (8/6), 1-6, 7-5 after a tough three-set battle.