Alexandra Eala’s Ningbo Open campaign has come to an end.
The Filipina star was unable to overcome the challenge presented by Diana Shnaider on Thursday, falling to a 5-7, 4-6 defeat in the Chinese province.
Shnaider, who is still fighting for a WTA Finals alternate spot, will play American youngster Iva Jovic in the Ningbo Open quarter-finals.
The Russian star, who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals in June, made sure to credit her opponent’s quality during the post-match formalities on Thursday.
Diana Shnaider praises Alex Eala after triumphing in Ningbo
“I mean, definitely much better than my previous one,” Shnaider said with a chuckle, comparing her performance against Eala to her one against Yulia Putintseva in the first round.
“Obviously very happy the way I played today, the way I compete, because definitely Alex is very dangerous and a tough opponent.
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“Another lefty, another big hitter. She never goes back down, she steps in, she rips the ball. So I knew it was going to be tough. Very proud and happy the way I performed today.”
Shnaider was then asked to discuss the tactical adjustments she makes when playing a left-handed player. Shnaider, like Eala, is also left-handed.
“It’s never easy to play another lefty – it’s not very often,” the 22-year-old Russian said. “And not very often we have to practice with each other.
“I would say you kind of expect another spin, especially the slice serve into the body. Yeah, definitely a little more variation, different type of ball strike.
“But again, you talk through it, I feel like you gotta just get used to the ball. I guess first few games you just kinda get used to the spin – where is her strike zone, what is her weakness.
Alex Eala’s last five WTA Tour matches
- Ningbo Open second round: lost to Diana Shnaider 5-7, 4-6
- Ningbo Open first round: defeated Diane Parry 6-3, 6-1
- Wuhan Open first round: lost to Shi Han 6-4, 3-6, 3-6
- Singapore Open: lost to Tatiana Igorevna Prosorova 6-4, 5-7, 3-6
- US Open: lost to Iva Jovic 5-7, 6-3, 5-7
“And you just gotta give yourself a little bit more time to adjust and then it becomes a little bit easier when the game goes on.”
As mentioned previously, Shnaider will play Iva Jovic in the Ningbo Open quarter-finals.
Shnaider has played Jovic once before, losing to the American at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, 4-6, 6-1, 0-6.
What next for Alex Eala?
After losing in Ningbo, Eala will shift her attention to the Toray Pan Pacific Open, held in Tokyo, Japan.
Eala is set to compete in the WTA 500 event alongside a host of high-profile names, including world number one Elena Rybakina and recent Wuhan Open champion Maja Chwalinska.
Belinda Bencic, the defending champion, is also set to compete in this year’s event, which will run from October 26 to November 1.
Toray Pan Pacific Open entry list
- Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Elena Rybakina
- Alexandra Eala
- Maja Chwalinska
- Belinda Bencic
- Marta Kostyuk
- Elise Mertens
- Sorana Cirstea
- Leylah Fernandez
- Iva Jovic
- Naomi Osaka
- Ann Li
- Jasmine Paolini
- Diana Shnaider
- Elina Svitolina
A total prize pot of $1,206,446 is on offer to singles and doubles players at the 2026 tournament.
