Tennis: Eala eyes breakthrough against familiar foe Valentova in Hong Kong

MANILA — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is seeking a breakthrough against Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic when they face off in the second round of the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

Eala set up the showdown against the world no. 85 after battling past lucky loser Emerson Jones of Australia in the first round, 6-4, 6-3, on Tuesday evening.

“I’ve had very tough matches against her in the past,” Eala said of Valentova.

Valentova, 19, has beaten Eala in two previous meetings: a 6-1, 6-3 result in Osaka in 2025, and a 7-6, 6-1 triumph in Doha earlier this year.

“I think she’s proven to be a really good player. Not just against me, but, you know, she’s played really well. So, it should be a good challenge for me, like every match as well,” said Eala.

“All I can do is do my best to prepare, and when I’m out there, fight with everything I have,” she added.

Eala also assured that she is feeling well after playing with a tape on her left knee against Jones.

“I’m feeling good. I think, you know, it’s the end of the year, so nothing out of the ordinary. And I’m healthy, I’m happy, so I’m super blessed,” she said.

Hong Kong is Eala’s final tournament in 2026, capping another banner year for the Filipina that has seen her win a WTA Tour championship for the first time while rising to No. 17 in the world.

“My year has been absolutely just incredible, and I’m so grateful for everything that I’ve been through… I mean, if I’m tired and I’m 17 in the world, that’s great,” she said.

“So, you know, and being tired is a blessing as well. Being tired means that I’ve been working hard, I’ve been having lots of matches, competing a lot. Being tired means that I’m healthy enough to work,” she added.

“I’m healthy enough and in a healthy mindset to put myself in these situations of pressure. So, yes, I think I’m doing great.”