Tennis: Alex Eala puts up gallant stand, but still ousted by Russian foe from Ningbo Open

(UPDATED) Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala put up a spirited stand but was still ousted by Russian player and World No. 13 Diana Shnaider in a dramatic Round of 16 clash, 5-7, 4-6, at the 2026 Ningbo Open on Thursday in China.

Eala managed to save six match points in the second frame, and even reached two break points, but the thriller ended in Shnaider’s favor to advance to the quarterfinals.

In the first set, both lefties traded holds until Shnaider broke the World No. 20 Eala in the ninth game to install a 5-4 lead.

Eala managed to break back and tie the match at 5-5, but the Russian opponent found the opportunity as the Filipina gave up a 40-30 advantage in the 11th game, suffering crucial errors including a double fault that put Shnaider at advantage and eventually gifted the latter a 6-5 edge.

Eala avoided getting blanked in the 12th game, finding the corner pocket to be on the board, 40-15, as a Shnaider hit that went into the net kept the Filipina in the hunt.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, Shnaider finally closed out the opening frame after a tough 51-minute battle.

A different complexion emerged in the second frame as Shnaider and Eala exchanged breaks until the sixth game, forcing a tie match at 3-3.

Eala finally held for a 4-3 lead despite squandering a 40-15 advantage in the seventh game, as Shnaider forced multiple deuces to extend the said game.

Another intense encounter went on in the next game, as Eala saved two points after falling down 40-15. After the deuces, the seemingly frustrated Shnaider managed to finally break Eala, after the Pinay’s shots went out, giving the Russian netter the chance to serve for the match.

An Eala shot that went into the net put Shnaider on her first match point, 40-15, although she bounced back with massive winners to keep herself in the match and force deuces.

Unfortunately for the Filipina, the match was for the Russian’s taking as she completed her escape from Eala.

“Alex is a very dangerous, tough opponent. Another leftie. Another big hitter. She won’t back down. She steps in… I knew it was gonna be tough so I’m very proud and happy with how I performed today,” said Shnaider.

“It’s never easy to play another leftie. It’s not very often,” she added, tipping her hat to a fellow left-handed player. 

Shnaider will face Iva Jovic in the Last 8.