Alex Eala closes 2026 season at career-high world No. 15 after Hong Kong final

Filipino tennis player Alex Eala has wrapped up her 2026 season ranked a career-high world No. 15, finishing as runner-up at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, according to Edge Davao.

Eala, 21, lost Sunday's final to American Claire Liu. Her coach, Joan Bosch of the Rafa Nadal Academy, said Liu served well, used her forehand effectively and carried out her game plan, while noting that Eala had chances in the second set.

The run to the final was physically demanding. Eala needed three sets to beat former world No. 3 Maria Sakkari in the semifinal before returning for the championship match, during which she took a medical timeout for treatment on her right knee. Bosch said she had felt some discomfort earlier in the week but described it as nothing serious, and credited Liu for her performance.

Bosch said the team's aim for the year was to build on the previous season, and the jump from No. 50 to No. 15 reflected progress in her overall level and not only her ranking. "We're extremely happy with what we've achieved," he said.

He pointed to gains in Eala's physical strength and especially her serve, which he said had long been cited as an area for improvement and which she had worked to turn into a weapon.

With the season over, Bosch said rest and recovery come first. Eala will then resume training with coach Lluc Bauza, focusing on fitness and preparation for 2027. "She deserves to enjoy this break," Bosch said.

Before her break, Eala is scheduled to play an exhibition match against Indonesia's Janice Tjen at the Philippine Arena on December 8.