Alex Eala ended a string of early exits in singles play as she got past Britain’s Katie Boulter via retirement and advanced to the second round at the Prudential Hong Kong Open Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old Filipina sensation was ahead, 6-4, 2-1, when Boulter, the runner-up in the 2024 edition, retired due to a left leg injury.
Eala moved forward to the Last 16 against third seed and world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada today, intent on making the most of this shot at redemption following consecutive first-round exits in Guangzhou, Osaka and Wuhan.
‘I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,’ said Eala, hoping Boulter is okay. Eala entered the WTA250 tournament in Hong Kong with her career-best ranking of No. 51.