Alexandra Eala moved into the next round of the 2025 Prudential Hong Kong Open in unexpected fashion after British opponent Katie Boulter retired mid-match due to injury on Tuesday night at the Victoria Park Centre Court.
The 20-year-old Eala, currently at a career-high No. 51 in the WTA rankings, was leading 6–4, 2–1 when Boulter was forced to call for medical attention for a left leg injury during the third game of the second set. Moments later, the British player conceded the match, handing Eala the victory.
“I think this time of the year is a tough moment for a lot of players, physically and mentally, at the end of the season,” said Eala in an online statement. “I hope Katie can take the time to recover and look back proudly on this season.”
Before Boulter’s retirement, Eala showed strong form, breaking serve in the 10th game to secure the first set after 69 minutes of play.
With the win, the Filipina tennis star advances to face third-seeded Victoria Mboko of Canada, ranked world No. 21, in the second round. Mboko, the reigning Canadian Open champion, battled past Australia’s Talia Gibson in three sets, 6–7(2), 6–1, 6–4, in a match that lasted one hour and 48 minutes.
The 19-year-old Mboko recovered from a one-set deficit with aggressive baseline play to book her meeting with Eala.
Meanwhile, Boulter’s unfortunate exit capped a difficult stretch after her promising run earlier this season, where she won three tour-level matches since Wimbledon.
