Filipino tennis fans in Hong Kong turned out in large numbers at the Hong Kong Tennis Open fanzone on Sunday, November 8, to cheer for Alex Eala during her championship match against American Claire Liu.
With tickets to the women’s singles final sold out, supporters gathered around a giant LED screen at the tournament’s designated viewing area to watch the Filipina tennis star compete for the title.
Photos from the event showed enthusiastic Filipino fans waving, holding banners, and displaying messages of encouragement for Eala, reflecting the strong support she received from the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Eala entered the championship match following an impressive semifinal victory over Greece’s Maria Sakkari, putting her one win away from another WTA singles title.
Despite the overwhelming support, the 21-year-old Filipina fell to Liu in straight sets, 3-6, 0-6, after experiencing physical discomfort during the match.
Eala required a medical timeout in the opening set to have her right knee examined before continuing the contest.
Although she finished as runner-up, Eala’s campaign marked another significant achievement in her breakthrough 2026 season.
The gathering also highlighted how Eala’s success on the international tennis stage continues to bring Filipino communities together, with supporters turning the tournament’s fanzone into a celebration of Philippine sports pride.
For the fans who could not secure seats inside the stadium, the outdoor viewing area provided an opportunity to witness another milestone in Eala’s career and show their support until the final point.
