An emotional Katie Boulter retired from her first-round match at the Hong Kong Open with injury.

The Briton, 29, called for the trainer and was in tears after deciding she could not continue when trailing 20-year-old Filipino Alexandra Eala 6-4 2-1.

Boulter has won just eight of her past 21 main draw matches, failing to progress beyond the second round of a tournament since the Nottingham Open in June.

Speaking after Boulter left the court, Eala told the crowd: “I’m a little out of words. I think this time of the year is a tough moment for a lot of players, physically and mentally being the end of the season.

“I hope that Katie can take this time to recover and just look back on her season proudly.”