Alex Eala rounded off her breakthrough 2026 in disappointing fashion as she fell short in the final of the Hong Kong Open, losing Sunday's title match 6-3, 6-0 to Claire Liu of the US. Eala started well and forced an early break of serve but was hampered by an injury to her right knee and received lengthy treatment as she trailed 4-3. Liu won the next two games to clinch the opening set.