Alex Eala Crushes Valentová to Storm Into Hong Kong Quarters

Alex Eala settled an old score at the 2026 Hong Kong Open on Thursday.

She defeated Tereza Valentová 6-4, 7-6(9-7) to reach the WTA 250 tournament's quarterfinals.

The match marked her first win over the Czech teenager.

Eala had dropped both of their previous meetings in straight sets.

Beyond the head-to-head record, the victory also snapped a 0-for-10 drought for the Filipina against Czech opponents dating back four seasons.

Despite the tight two-setter, Eala dictated the terms of the match early.

She jumped to 3-0 in the opener before Valentová rallied to pull even at four-all.

From there, the 21-year-old fended off three break chances in the ninth game.

She then ran through Valentová's serve to seal the set.

The second frame gave Eala more trouble.

Valentová grabbed a 4-2 edge with a break.

Eala battled back to 5-5 and pushed the set to a tiebreak.

There, she built a 5-0 cushion before converting on her fourth match point after nearly two hours on court.

The win lifts the Asian Games medalist's 2026 WTA record to 38 victories.

Of those, 27 took place on hard courts.

That includes her first title win in Washington, DC.

Eala is currently ranked No. 17 in the world, a career high.

She has enjoyed a successful 2026 season, but she is aware that there are several things she needs to work on.

Eala recently spoke to reporters during the Hong Kong Open, where she is competing in her final tournament of the season.

During a press conference, she was asked about the improvements in her volleys and net play.

Eala admitted that this part of her game remains a work in progress, although she is quite happy with how useful it has become during the current season.

"I think I still have room for improvement, although it's been very useful this year," Eala explained.

The young player has mostly relied on her groundstrokes and movement during her rise through the WTA rankings.

The left-hander is known for her ability to hit the ball from the baseline.

Becoming more comfortable at the net could give her additional options against experienced opponents.

Her latest comments followed a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australian teenager Emerson Jones in the opening round of the Hong Kong Open.

Eala had originally been scheduled to face Alycia Parks, but the American withdrew because of a shoulder injury.

The 18-year-old Jones entered the main draw as a lucky loser and caused some problems for the second seed, who nevertheless completed the victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

Eala's coach, Joan Bosch, recently discussed the young player's development.

Bosch explained that there is not only one particular area where she needs to improve.

The Spanish coach believes that the Filipina already has several qualities that have helped her reach the top 20.

Bosch was asked about his player's progress after her recent matches against Diana Shnaider.

The two met in Ningbo and Tokyo, with Eala losing both encounters against the Russian.

The coach pointed out that the 21-year-old has been working on her serve, physical preparation and other parts of her game.

He also stressed that players must continue making changes because their opponents are always studying them.

Eala now faces Antonia Ružić on Friday.

Both players are shooting for a ticket to the Hong Kong Open semifinals.

Ružić beat Elena Rybakina earlier this year in Dubai, and is no stranger to a big upset.

The Croatian is ranked No. 81 in the world.

As the higher-ranked player, Eala will be the favorite to advance, but won't want to overlook the world number 81.

If Eala wins, she would face qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich or the fourth seed Maria Sakkari in the semifinals.

Beyond that, a potential final against top seed Sorana Cirstea looms.

Cirstea defeated Mary Stoiana, 7-5, 6-1, in the second round of the Hong Kong Open.

The 36-year-old Romanian is expected to retire from tennis upon the conclusion of the Hong Kong Open, her final tournament of 2026.

Unless she changes her mind and carries on for another year, Cirstea will only play up to three more matches.