Alex Eala and her fans shared a sweet message with Claire Liu after winning the Hong Kong Open final.
After beating Alex Eala 6-3, 6-0 in the Hong Kong Open final, Claire Liu shared kind words about her opponent, calling her ‘the best person to lead the charge for women’s tennis.’ The two players exchanged heartfelt messages after the match.
Liu and Eala played a tough 90-minute match in Hong Kong. The Filipina star, who won her first-ever WTA Tour-level singles title earlier in 2026, managed to win only three games in the final.
Liu praised the 21-year-old Eala after the match, saying, “She’s such an inspiration… I can think of no better person to lead the charge for women’s tennis.”
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During the Hong Kong Open, Liu faced Tatiana Prozorova, Katie Boulter, Zeynep Sonmez, Alexandra Shubladze, and Eala, winning all five matches without dropping a set.
With this win, the American stopped her Filipina opponent—who has caused an extraordinary ‘Eala effect’ noticed by WTA organizers across North America—from claiming a second Tour title this year.
“Congrats to Alex,” Liu said. “I was tearing up during your speech. You’re truly the perfect person to lead women’s tennis forward.
“I’m tearing up now,” Liu added, pausing. “You’ve had such an amazing year and are a real inspiration. I’m so excited to see what you do next year. Also, big congrats to your team,” finished the world No. 102.
Eala started strong, breaking Liu’s serve and taking a 2-1 lead. Liu broke back to even the score at 2-2, then took the lead 4-3.
Eala then called for a medical timeout to check on her right thigh. After returning with her leg wrapped, she wasn’t able to win another game, and Liu won the match.
The second set was a clean sweep for Liu, 6-0. Despite the one-sided score, Eala fought hard for 55 minutes and 70 points, showing great effort even with her injury.
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Finishing a breakthrough 2026 season—one that put her ahead of Grand Slam winners Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova in key stats—Eala was emotional after the loss.
“First of all, congratulations to Claire on a fantastic tournament, a great week, and a great match,” Eala said. “Well deserved, congrats.
“I also want to thank the tournament staff, organizers, and of course, the fans. Your support means so much to me and adds meaning to what I do.
“I’m forever grateful,” she continued. “Thanks also to my team, my parents, my brother, and my coaches. This season has truly changed my life for the better…”
After a pause, she added, “I’m very proud of all the work we’ve done. Only we know what it took to get here. Thank you so much, and congratulations again. This is just the beginning, and all of these moments are ours.”
Hong Kong will be Eala’s last tournament of the WTA season, but fans can look forward to seeing her back on court in January 2027.