Eala looks to finally solve Valentova puzzle in HK
The Manila Times · 11/5/2026, 12:09:00 AM Philippine time
Excerpt from The Manila Times. Read the original report below for the complete story.SEEKING a quarterfinal spot at the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open, Filipino sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala looks to finally solve the puzzle that is Czech Tereza Valentova on Thursday.The time and court assignment for the second-round clash between the 21-year-old Eala and 19-year-old Valentova at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium were not yet available as of writing.World No. 17 and tournament No. 2 seed Eala topped lucky loser and world No. 132 Emerson Jones of Australia, 6-4, 6-3, to begin her campaign last Tuesday.On the same day, world No. 85 Valentova dispatched Japanese and world No. 129 Himenu Sakatusume in their first-round clash, 6-3, 7-5.While Eala has a higher ranking and a main Tour title (500 D.C. Open), she has failed to beat Valentova in their two encounters.Eala yielded to Valentova first at the 250 Osaka first round, 1-6, 2-6, in October last year.The Filipino fell to the Czech anew at the 1000 Doha Open first round, 6(6)-7, 1-6, last February.“I’ve had very tough matches against her in the past. She’s proven…