Alex Eala beats Antonia Ruzic, reaches Hong Kong Tennis Open semis

Alexandra “Alex” Eala defeated Antonia Ruzic, 7-6(7), 7-5, in the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open to advance to the semifinals.

Eala held a 3-2 lead in the opening set before Ruzic won the next two games to take the advantage. The Filipina fought back to level the set, but Ruzic claimed another game to move within one of taking the set.

Eala refused to back down, winning the next game to force a 6-6 deadlock and send the set into a tiebreak.

Eala dominated the early exchanges, racing to a 5-0 lead before Ruzic mounted a comeback by claiming four consecutive points. The two then traded points, with Ruzic eventually taking a 7-6 lead. However, Eala won the next three points to clinch the opening set.

In the second set, Eala took a 2-1 lead before Ruzic leveled the score. The Filipina then won the next two games to establish a 4-2 advantage, but Ruzic managed to claim another game before rain suspended play during the eighth game.

Upon resumption, Ruzic held on and eventually claimed a 5-4 lead. However, Eala fought back and tied the set anew before claiming the next two to claim the victory.

"It was a rollercoaster, for sure, and an incredible battle," Eala said about her match against Ruzic.

"I don't know what inspired me or kept me to continue digging deeper, but Antonia played a really amazing match, and I'm blessed to be able to play another round here."

Eala will next face Greece’s Maria Sakkari for a spot in the final.

Alex Eala's Season recap (singles)

Asian swing

• Pan Pacific Open — Quarterfinals
• Ningbo Open — Round of 16
• Wuhan Open — Round of 64
• Singapore Tennis Open — Round of 16

North American swing

• US Open — Round of 32
• Cincinnati Open — Round of 32
• Canadian Open — Round of 16
• DC Open — Champion

Grass-court swing

• Wimbledon (Grand Slam) — Round of 16
• Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Berlin Tennis Open (WTA 500) — Semifinals
• HSBC Championships (WTA 500) — Round of 16
• Birmingham Open (WTA 125) — Champion

Clay-court swing

• French Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• Italian Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 32
• Madrid Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Stuttgart Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Linz Open (WTA 500) — Round of 16

Sunshine Swing

• Miami Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16
• Indian Wells Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16

Middle East Swing

• Dubai Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) — Quarterfinals
• Qatar Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) — Quarterfinals

Philippine Women’s Open (WTA 125) — Quarterfinals

Australian Swing

• Australian Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• ASB Classic (WTA 250) — Semifinals

—JKC, GMA News