Alex Eala’s verdict on ‘insane’ achievement and everything she said after ending 2026 season
Alex Eala’s 2026 season concluded with a defeat in the final of the Hong Kong Tennis Open, and she has commented on an “insane” feat she has achieved.
The Filipina icon suffered a crushing 6-3, 6-0 loss to Claire Liu in the title match at the WTA 250 event in Hong Kong on Sunday.
Eala was playing the third WTA Tour final of her career, and her second of 2026 after she captured her maiden title at the Washington Open in August.
The 21-year-old is set to finish 2026 at a career-high ranking of world No 15 after amassing a 40-24 record at WTA Tour level this year, while she also compiled a 7-1 record at WTA 125/Challenger events. Eala began the season as the world No 53.
Here is everything Eala said in her final post-match press conference of the 2026 campaign.
Eala: I am incredibly proud. I am so, so proud of everything that’s happened, that my team and I have achieved, and how we’ve worked this year. So I’m just going to take this time to really process it, because it’s been a lot. So I’m very grateful.
Q. Commiserations today, but you’ve spoken there about how much you’ve achieved this year. When it comes to this time next year, what do you hope you’re going to be able to look back and say you’ve achieved over those 12 months?
Eala: I, like every year, of course, want to continue to become a better player. I strive to be the best version of myself. And so I guess that for a time to tell, in that moment in time, what the best version of myself looks like. Truth be told, I definitely have not thought about a concrete goal for next year. I’ve been pushing back, really enjoying the fruits of my labour of this year, just because it’s been one, and then the other, and then the other. So now I’m not thinking about that. And this is my time to just be happy, and enjoy, and stay in the present.
More Alex Eala News
Alex Eala and Claire Liu’s ranking points and prize money after Hong Kong Open final
Alex Eala sends heartfelt message in emotional speech after losing Hong Kong Open final
Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.
Q. Congratulations on your season. Obviously, it’s been a rollercoaster one. But what does it mean to you having the fans out there supporting you wherever you go, now that you’ve played in Hong Kong two years ago, back-to-back?
Eala: I mean, the fans are amazing. And they add another dimension to my job and to my life that, beforehand, I did not even imagine. So thanks to them, I’m able to have such special experiences and create such amazing memories. So I’m super, super happy for their support.
Q. Congratulations, Alex. We all noticed that you became a bit teary-eyed towards the end of your speech earlier this evening. You said this was just the beginning. The beginning of what for you?
Eala: I mean, I’m 21, so it’s the beginning of my career. I’ve been playing ever since I was four. But even then, I still feel like there’s a long, long road ahead of me, which I am so excited for, excited to continue the journey with my team. And yeah, I’m very, very grateful for them. And everything we do, we do together. So, yes.
Q. You’re going to end the year with a new career-high [ranking]. How do you feel about that?
Eala: Oh, it’s insane. It’s insane. I did not know that was in the cards for me. To end the year at 15, it’s crazy. I think there are much more than 15 people in this room. So, you know, it’s like this whole season, and just to top it off with ending the year at 15, it’s like dreams are only dreams until they’re not, right? So that’s how I feel.
Q. You had the medical timeout after the seventh game What was it? And then you came back with a heavy strap. What was the issue you were dealing with? And how did that actually affect you on court?
Eala: Yeah, I had a bit of pain in my knee for a short period of time there. And I just strapped up my leg and it got a little better. Less pain.
Q. You said you deserved a break after such a long season. So what are you going to do?
Eala: Oh, I’m going to spend time with my family. Yeah, just lay low. Disappear for a little bit. And then… yeah, those are my plans. Just to disappear. Thank you.
