Local fans celebrate Eudice Chong’s first win

(Hong Kong) The second day of first round main draw single matches at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 saw a veritable constellation of seeds and stars take to the sold-out centre court stage today.

However, the biggest cheers of the day were from Court One as local fans celebrated a win for wild-card entry Hong Kong’s Eudice Chong as she progressed through to the tournament’s second round for the very first time. Eudice has competed in the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on multiple occasions, but has not advanced past the early rounds previously in singles or doubles. Her defeat of Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-4 is her first WTA 250 Hong Kong win. 

A delighted Eudice said, “This is the first time I have beaten a top 100 player so I am delighted. I played more aggressively today than previously and I think that was a big factor in the win. The support of the fans along with playing in front of family and friends makes this very special. The momentum for tennis here is on the rise, with more fans coming along than ever before. The HKCTA has done a tremendous job of developing tournament tennis here providing an experience which has inspired me along with the many new up-and-coming young local players.”

Belinda Bencic

A host of Hong Kong debut appearances included tournament top seed Belinda Bencic back on court after her Toray Pan Pacific Open win in Tokyo. The Swiss star safely navigated her first outing, with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Alaksandra Sasnovich. Visiting Hong Kong for the first time, she said, “I’m very excited to be here this is such a fun city. Yesterday’s visit to see the Pandas was real highlight and I’m looking forward to exploring more of the city this week.”

Alex Eala

A partisan crowd of enthusiastic Filipino followers in a packed evening Centre Court cheered their local hero Alexandra Eala making her maiden appearance at the tournament. In a dramatic turn of events after Eala took the first set 6-4, Katie Boulter was forced to retire early in the second set with an injury in a disappointing end for the UK player who was making a return to Hong Kong after her finals appearance last year. “It’s very awkward at this time of the year after a long season,” explained Alexandra. “I hope Katie can recover soon. But a very big thank you for all your support. I look forward to seeing you in the next match." 

Victoria Mboko

Rising star 19-year old No. 3 seed and Hong Kong newcomer Victoria Mboko faced a tough first round opponent in Australian Talia Gibson, as she had to dig deep in a closely fought third set. She finally prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 thanks to a strong service game that saw her execute 19 aces during the course of the match. “My serve was certainly a factor for me. I was struggling at times against Talia’s ground strokes, but I’m glad to progress,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun here and to go as far as I can this week. I also hear there is a Disneyland in Hong Kong so I hope to visit before I leave.”

Leylah Fernandez

The ever popular Leylah Fernandez opened her account on her Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open return. The 2023 title winner and 2024 semi-finalist was in dangerous form as she swept aside China’s Xiyu Wang in a convincing 6-1 first set but was put to work by a battling Wang in the second before securing a 6-1, 6-4 victory. The Canadian is very much a crowd favourite with her Philippine family heritage and Leylah was quick to thank them for their support. “I feel amazing playing here,” she said. “I am so honoured and grateful the Filipino community here always come out to support me.”

Public tickets are now available through Klook

The ‘Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025’ runs until 2 November. All main draw matches on Court 1 and Court 2 during the week will open to the public free of charge. Public tickets are now available for purchase through Klook. Cat. 1 tickets range from HK$220 to HK$970; and HK$160 to HK$760 for Cat. 2 tickets. The Tournament Village is open to the public completely free of charge throughout the event.

A 50% discount is available for those aged 18 or below, full-time students, and seniors aged 60 or above on Cat 2 tickets.

For ticketing details, please visit: https://www.klook.com