Liu’s only previous final, in Rabat in 2022, ended in a 6-2, 6-1 loss to Martina Trevisan. He hasn’t missed a set all week at the Prudential Tennis Open in Hong Kong. He also defeated Eala in their previous meeting, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Guangzhou in October 2025.
How Liu defeated Elala
Eala broke back to make it 2-1, but Lue fired straight back. At 3-3, the American reeled off nine straight games to break for 5-3 and take the set on her second set-point.
The second set turned in its opening game, with Eala saving four break points before Liu converted in the fifth. Liu then saved three break points for 2-0 and Eala did not win another game.
Liu’s serve ended the final. He landed 88 percent of his first serves and dropped serve just once. Iala hit just 48 percent of her first serves, served four double faults and broke twice in seven service games.
Liu’s week in Hong Kong
On her way to the final, Liu defeated Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova 6-2, 6-4, eighth seed Katie Boulter of Great Britain 7-5, 6-4, Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 6-1, 6-4, and Russia’s Alexandra Shubladze 7-5, 6-4.
Eala who won the fourth Maria Sakkari 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in 2 hours 43 minutes on Saturday, he was playing in the third final of his career. He will make his debut in the top 15 according to the tournament.
Liu’s path to rank
First stage: d. Tatiana Prozorova (Q) 6-2, 6-4
Second stage: d. Katie Boulter (8) 7-5, 6-4
Quarter finals: d. Zeynep Sonmez: 6-1, 6-4
Semi-final: d. Alexandra Shubladze (Q) 7-5, 6-4
Final: d. Alexandra Iala (2) 6-3, 6-0
Ella’s path to the finals
First stage: d. Emerson Jones (LL) 6-4, 6-3
Second stage: d. Teresa Valentova 6-4, 7-6 (7)
Quarter finals: d. Antonia Ruzic 7-6 (7), 7-5
Semi-finals: d. Maria Sakkari (4) 7-5, 3-6, 6-4
Final: Lost to Claire Liu 6-3, 6-0