TENNIS

Eala eyes payback against Shnaider

Ivan Suing · Oct 30, 2026, 1:05 AM

ALEX Eala attempts to get back at Russian world No. 13 Diana Shnaider when they face off on Friday in the Toray Pan Pacific Open quarterfinal round in Tokyo. — Yuichi YAMAZAKI/agence france-presse

Alex Eala gets another shot at world No. 13 Diana Shnaider of Russia when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday.

The match time has yet to be announced for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 tournament, where the 21-year-old Filipina is seeking a semifinal berth and a chance to avenge her recent loss to Shnaider, who defeated Eala, 7-5, 6-4, in the Round of 16 of the Ningbo Open in China last week.

The world No. 19 Eala advanced to the Tokyo quarterfinals after rallying past world No. 38 Talia Gibson of Australia, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, on Wednesday.

Eala credited her composure and determination for the comeback, stressing the need to remain focused even when facing adversity.

“I think it was really about staying in the match and never giving up. The first set was difficult, and I had my chances. I knew that if I kept my concentration, I would have more opportunities,” Eala said.

Shnaider, meanwhile, booked her quarterfinal spot with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory over world No. 112 Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus.