Eala targets strong Hong Kong finish after quarter-final exit in Tokyo

Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala is determined to finish her breakthrough season on a high after suffering a quarter-final defeat at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday.

The 21-year-old fell 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 to Russian third seed Diana Shnaider in her tournament debut, but remains highly motivated ahead of her final competition of the season in Hong Kong.

Currently ranked world number 19, Eala has enjoyed a remarkable year, becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour singles title after lifting the trophy in Washington in August.

With the Hong Kong tournament next on her schedule, Eala is expected to be among the leading contenders. However, the Filipina is determined to keep her focus on the competition rather than reflect on her achievements just yet.

“I’m super excited, and I’m going in with high motivation,” Eala said.

“I’m trying to put my reflections off for one more week because of said motivation. Check back in a week.”

Eala Falls Short After Tough Battle Against Shnaider

Eala made an impressive start against Shnaider, winning five consecutive games to take control of the opening set.

However, the second set proved much more competitive, with neither player managing to break serve. Shnaider eventually edged the tie-break 7-5 to level the match.

The Russian carried that momentum into the deciding set, securing an early break before Eala required treatment on her right foot. Shnaider eventually sealed the victory with an ace, ending Eala’s run in Tokyo.

Reflecting on the contest, Eala described it as a “huge battle” and acknowledged that both players had produced a high level of tennis.

“Both of us could take the match to a really, really high level,” she said.

“I’m proud of that despite the loss, but I do think I had my chances.”

“Next time, hopefully do better in those moments,” she added.

Eala Praises Support from Philippine Fans in Japan

Despite the disappointment, Eala once again enjoyed tremendous support from a passionate group of Filipino fans in Japan.

The Tokyo appearance marked her second trip to Japan in two months, following her run to the semi-finals at the Asian Games in Nagoya.

Eala expressed her appreciation for the atmosphere and the support she received throughout the tournament.

“To be in front of the crowd and to play in this atmosphere is always super special,” she said.

“I love Japan as a whole, whether I’m here for tennis or not, so I really had fun.”

Shnaider Advances as Tokyo Semi-Final Line-Up Takes Shape

Meanwhile, Shnaider will face Mia Pohankova in the semi-finals after the 18-year-old Slovakian defeated American Alycia Parks 7-6(3), 6-3.

The other semi-final will see Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova take on Canada’s Leylah Fernandez.

Fernandez secured her place in the last four after world number one Elena Rybakina withdrew from their encounter due to a neck injury.

For Eala, attention now turns to Hong Kong, where she will have another opportunity to build on an outstanding season and finish the year with another strong performance.