Eala bows to Shnaider in Tokyo

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala lost steam and bowed to Russian Diana Shnaider in a grueling three-set match, 6-2, 6-7, 4-6, in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Toray Pan Pacific Open on Friday night at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. This is Eala’s first quarterfinal appearance in the WTA Tour after winning the 2026 Washington Open. The second set lasted 83 minutes with Shnaider prevailing at 7-6. World No. 13 Shnaider held a 3-1 lead in the third frame,  before No. 18  Eala trailed for 3-2 and asked for a medical timeout. Shnaider held a 5-3 advantage after orchestrating more sharp services, while Eala put up the fight and trailed by 5-4. Despite Eala’s attempts to force a tie break at 5-all, Schnaider escaped with a 6-4 victory.