In a jaw-dropping twist at the Hong Kong Open, rising tennis star Alexandra Eala has accused the WTA’s Video Assistance Review (VAR) system of being “systematically rigged,” claiming she was “robbed of a well-deserved victory.” The Filipino star released video evidence showing her shot was clearly in, yet overturned by VAR, calling the match “a scam, not tennis.”

Eala went further, alleging discriminatory behaviour from the chair umpire during her match against Victoria Mboko. “I felt treated like I didn’t belong,” she said, adding that she’s prepared to submit recordings and match data to the WTA and media outlets to expose what she describes as “institutional bias.” Her statement has sent shockwaves through the women’s tennis circuit.

While Mboko avoided a heated response, she told reporters: “Eala played great, VAR is technology — I respect the decision.” Fans didn’t take that kindly, calling Mboko “grateful for bias”, especially since she benefited from another controversial VAR call at the Pan Pacific Open earlier this season. Social media quickly exploded with hashtags like #FairPlayNow and #VARRigged, demanding accountability from the WTA.

Analysts and former players are now questioning whether the WTA’s use of technology has gone too far — and whether outside pressure might be influencing match outcomes. Sports commentators across Australia noted that the integrity of VAR must be “beyond reproach,” particularly when player livelihoods and reputations are on the line.

So far, the WTA has remained silent, confirming only that “an internal review” is underway. Insiders say the organisation is under mounting pressure to respond swiftly, as Eala has threatened to boycott all WTA events until an “independent and transparent investigation” is launched. Fans have rallied behind her, flooding the WTA’s official channels with calls for fairness and reform.

In a fiery follow-up post, Eala urged fellow players not to stay silent: “If we don’t speak up when wrong things happen, the system will never change,” she wrote. Her rallying cry — “Fairness on court, not just in words” — has struck a chord across the global tennis community, inspiring young athletes to demand transparency in officiating.

As the controversy deepens, all eyes are now on the WTA. Will the governing body have the courage to launch a full public inquiry, or will this become another “buried scandal” swept under the rug? One thing’s for sure: Eala’s fight isn’t just about one match — it’s about the soul of tennis itself.