Alex Eala seeks to regain momentum in Ningbo Open after recent setbacks

FloydPhilippine Canadian Inquirer
October 19, 2026

Photo Cpurtesy: POC Media

Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala is looking to get back on track as she opens her campaign at the Ningbo Open in China, facing France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the WTA 500 tournament.

The world No. 20 enters the competition after a difficult stretch on the Asian swing, with early exits at the Singapore Open and Wuhan Open, as well as a semifinal loss at the 2026 Asian Games.

Eala’s latest setback came in Wuhan, where she took the opening set against China’s Han Shi, 6-4, but lost the next two sets, 3-6, 3-6. She previously fell to Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova in Singapore after also winning the first set.

At the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, Eala’s bid for the gold medal ended in the semifinals against China’s Wang Xiyu. She ultimately secured a bronze medal for the Philippines.

Her opening-round opponent, Parry, is also seeking a stronger result after exiting early at the China Open and Wuhan Open. The Frenchwoman won the WTA 500 Monterrey Open in Mexico in August.

The Eala-Parry winner will advance to the next round to face either Russia’s Diana Shnaider or another qualifier, depending on the draw.

The Ningbo tournament gives Eala another opportunity to regain her rhythm and build momentum as she continues her campaign on the international tennis circuit.