Alex Eala Targets Hong Kong Open Title After Stunning Sakkari
Alex Eala and her devoted supporters have another WTA final to anticipate at the Hong Kong Open.
Eala aims to maintain a positive mindset in the WTA 250 tournament final, where she faces Claire Liu. As the second seed at the Hong Kong Open, she has defeated fourth seed Maria Sakkari, having earlier overcome Emerson Jones, Tereza Valentova, and Antonia Ruzic.
Consistent with past events, Eala has drawn a massive following in Hong Kong, with her loyal supporters eager to witness their favorite player secure a second career title. The Filipino star has addressed these fans ahead of the upcoming final.
Alex Eala expresses hope for her supporters ahead of the Hong Kong Open final
In an interview with journalist Dyan Castillejo, Eala spoke about her fans after defeating Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4: “I mean of course, every match they help me. And they make just the whole experience of being on tour very fun. And I hope the feeling is reciprocated. They come and they have fun and they learn about tennis and get to cheer on their favourite players.”
When asked if the fans provide her with additional drive, she responded: “Definitely most of my fight comes from within. And I think that that’s something a lot of tennis players have. At the end of the day cheering, although I’m super, super grateful for it, it’s also something you can’t control. I’ve been competing for very long and it’s not always been full stadiums, let’s say. So the fight has to come from within for sure.”
Alex Eala ‘very motivated’ to win the Hong Kong Open title
Eala also spoke in a press conference after her superb win over Sakkari, where she was tasked with discussing her motivation and how relaxed she intends to be during the final. She said: “I think… well for sure I’m definitely very motivated. I think there could be balance between relaxed… and I think it’s also how you define relaxed. Maybe I would use the word calm.
“But yeah of course, how do I want the final to go? I want to win. That would be amazing. But I’ve done everything I could up to this point and if I do the best that I can tomorrow and give everything I have, I will be a very happy girl.”
Eala possesses extra motivation to defeat Liu, having lost their sole previous encounter. She will therefore not underestimate the American world number 102, despite her higher ranking and substantial backing from the crowd.
