Sports
Eala Ends Tokyo Run, Eyes Hong Kong Title After Breakthrough Season
Alexandra Eala’s quarterfinal appearance at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo finished on Friday when she lost to Russia’s third‑seeded Diana Shnaider 2‑6, 7‑6(5), 6‑4. The 21‑year‑old, who is ranked world No. 19, will be the only player in the 2026 season to have a WTA Tour title, having won in Washington in August. She said she has “high motivation” to finish the year strongly with the Hong Kong tournament the following week. Eala noted she is not ready to reflect on her achievements yet, adding, “I’m super excited, and I’m going in with high motivation. I’m trying to put my reflections off for one more week because of said motivation. Check back in a week.” In the match, Eala took the first set by winning five games in a row, but Shnaider held serve in the second set and won the tie‑breaker. Shnaider broke early in the third set, and after Eala required treatment on her right foot, the Russian sealed the win with an ace. Eala described the contest as “a huge battle” and said, “Both of us could take the match to a really, really high level. I’m proud of that despite the loss, but I do think I had my chances. Next time, hopefully do better in those moments.” A large group of Philippine supporters backed her in Tokyo, her second visit to Japan in two months after reaching the semifinals at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Shnaider will face Slovakia’s 18‑year‑old Mia Pohankova in the semifinals, while Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova will play Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, who advanced after world No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew with a neck injury. (AFP)
Frequently asked questions
Who defeated Alexandra Eala in the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals?
Russia's third‑seeded Diana Shnaider.
What was the final score of the match?
2‑6, 7‑6(5), 6‑4 in favor of Shnaider.
Which title did Eala win earlier in the 2026 season?
She won the Washington WTA Tour title in August.