# Alex Eala reaches career-high ranking with win in Hong Kong

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/alex-eala-reaches-career-high-ranking-with-win-in-hong-kong/
- Published: 2026-11-06T16:36:32+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T16:40:13+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Alex Eala, Antonia Ruzic, Hong Kong Open, Naomi Osaka

## Article

Alex Eala continues to surprise in the world of tennis, reaching a new career high after a gruelling win over Antonia Ruzic in the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Open. The result not only secured her a place in the next round of the tournament, but also the chance to overtake Naomi Osaka in the WTA rankings.

The Filipino, who came into the match ranked 17th in the world, beat the Croatian, ranked 76th, in a match full of dramatic twists. From the start, both players traded breaks of serve, with Ruzic twice failing to take the chance to close out the first set. Eala, who built a 5-0 lead in the tie-break, watched that advantage disappear, but after a tough battle lasting one hour and 20 minutes, she came out on top 7-6 (7).

“It was a rollercoaster, no doubt, and an incredible battle. I don’t know what inspired me or made me keep fighting, but Antonia played a truly wonderful match, and I feel blessed to be able to play another round here,” Eala said in her post-match interview. The 21-year-old added that during the match, the only thing she could think about was tactics, stressing the importance of staying focused and giving everything she had.

In the second set, Eala faced more difficulties, especially after a rain delay that disrupted the rhythm of the match. However, she showed resilience and, after a break of serve by Ruzic, managed to close out the match 7-6 (7), 7-5, after a total of two hours and 13 minutes of intense competition, in which 29 break points were recorded.

With this win, Eala has 98 ranking points and prize money of £9,156, rising to a new best of 16th, just 12 points ahead of Osaka. If she beats Maria Sakkari, ranked 29th in the world, in her first semi-final at the tournament, she could climb to 15th in the rankings.

The player is already regarded as the most successful tennis player from the Philippines, and this latest rise only strengthens her legacy in the sport. Expectations are high for the next match, in which Eala could continue to make history.