Image Source: ESPN
Alexandra Eala is one victory away from another major breakthrough after defeating fourth seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in a rain-interrupted Hong Kong Open semifinal on Saturday at Victoria Park Centre Court.
The Filipina star showed remarkable composure through shifting momentum, repeated weather delays and a tense deciding set. Her victory sends her into the final, where she will face Claire Liu for the championship.
Alexandra Eala survives a thrilling rain-soaked battle
Eala set the tone immediately by attacking Sakkari from the baseline. The Greek player opened with a shaky service game, and Eala took advantage by breaking at love. The second seed then held comfortably to establish an early 2-0 lead.
Sakkari, a former world No. 3, refused to let the match get away from her. She recovered from the slow start and began matching Eala’s intensity from the back of the court. After exchanging breaks, Sakkari moved ahead 5-4 and stood one game from taking the opening set.
That was when Eala produced one of the most important stretches of the match. She held serve to level the set, then applied consistent pressure on Sakkari’s delivery in the 11th game. Another break put Eala ahead 6-5, and she completed the comeback by breaking again to close out the set 7-5.
Rain delays test both players’ focus
Light rain continued as the second set began, creating difficult conditions for both competitors. Sakkari handled the disruption better at first, earning an early break and building a 3-0 advantage.
Further interruptions repeatedly halted play, including during a crucial eighth game. Eala managed to hold serve and reduce the deficit to 5-3, later earning two break points as she searched for a way back into the set.
However, Sakkari stayed composed. She used her forehand and steady serving to protect her advantage and eventually level the contest at one set apiece with a 6-3 finish.
Powerful finish sends Eala into the final
Eala responded strongly in the deciding set. She held in the opening game and quickly secured a break in the second after Sakkari committed a costly double fault. The early 2-0 lead placed the pressure back on the Greek veteran.
Sakkari immediately attempted to fight back, creating two break-point chances in the following game. Eala stayed calm under pressure, saving both opportunities and extending her lead to 3-0.
After Sakkari finally held serve, Eala missed three chances to take a double break and move closer to victory. That opening allowed Sakkari to regain momentum. She broke Eala in the seventh game and held serve in the eighth to level the deciding set at 4-4.
Once again, Eala delivered when the match became most dangerous. She protected her serve in the ninth game before taking advantage of consecutive double faults from Sakkari in the 10th. The decisive break sealed a 6-4 third-set victory.
- Eala defeated Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
- The semifinal was repeatedly interrupted by rain.
- Eala won 60 return points compared with Sakkari’s 38.
- Sakkari held a 12-2 advantage in aces.
- Eala will meet Claire Liu in the final.
Claire Liu awaits in the Hong Kong Open final
Eala’s opponent will be Claire Liu, who defeated Alexandra Shubadlze 7-5, 6-4 in the other semifinal. The upcoming final gives Eala an opportunity to claim her second WTA Tour title of the season.
Her first WTA title came at the WTA 500 DC Open. Eala also won the Birmingham Open earlier in the year, although that 125-level tournament is classified separately from her WTA Tour titles.
The result adds another standout chapter to Eala’s impressive 2026 campaign. Her combination of aggressive returning, baseline discipline and resilience in crucial moments has made her one of the most compelling emerging players on tour.
The final against Liu will provide another significant test. Eala will need to recover quickly, manage the pressure of another high-profile match and maintain the fearless style that carried her past Sakkari.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of Alexandra Eala’s semifinal?
Alexandra Eala defeated Maria Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the Hong Kong Open semifinal.
Who will Alexandra Eala face in the final?
Eala will play Claire Liu, who defeated Alexandra Shubadlze 7-5, 6-4 in the other semifinal.
How many WTA Tour titles has Eala won this season?
Eala has won one WTA Tour title this season at the WTA 500 DC Open. A victory in Hong Kong would give her a second WTA Tour title of the year.
How did rain affect the semifinal?
Rain repeatedly interrupted the match, particularly during the second set. Both players had to maintain focus through several stoppages and changing conditions.
