Alex Eala storms back to reach Tokyo quarterfinals, sets rematch with Diana Shnaider

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 29, 2026

Photo courtesy: Asian Tennis Federation

Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala recovered from a slow start to defeat Australia’s Talia Gibson, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, and secure a quarterfinal spot at the Toray Pan Pacific Open on Wednesday, October 28.

The 21-year-old, ranked world No. 19 and seeded eighth in the tournament, won the final nine games of the match to complete her comeback in one hour and 53 minutes.

Eala initially struggled against Gibson, who took advantage of her missed opportunities to win the opening set.

But the Filipina gradually found her rhythm, using stronger returns and better court movement to take control of the second set.

After leveling the match, Eala carried that momentum into the decider, winning all six games without allowing Gibson to get on the scoreboard.

She finished with nine aces and broke the Australian’s serve six times.

Speaking after the match, Eala credited her ability to stay focused despite the early setback.

“The first set was difficult, but I had my chances,” she said. “So I knew that if I kept my concentration that I would have more chances.”

The victory also delighted Filipino supporters in Tokyo, who waved Philippine flags and cheered throughout the match.

Eala expressed her appreciation for the growing support from fellow Filipinos, telling the crowd, “Sobrang saya. Thank you so much everybody, mas marami tayo ngayon.”

Her next challenge is a familiar one.

Eala will face world No. 13 Diana Shnaider of Russia in the quarterfinals on Friday, October 30.

Shnaider advanced after defeating Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, in another three-set contest.

The matchup comes just over a week after Shnaider defeated Eala, 7-5, 6-4, in the second round of the Ningbo Open.

Before that professional encounter, Eala had beaten Shnaider, 6-1, 6-3, in a junior tournament in Osaka in 2019.

According to the WTA, Eala’s Tokyo performance marks her first quarterfinal appearance since winning her maiden WTA title in Washington in August.

The Tokyo result also gives her a chance to build momentum after winning just one match across her first three tournaments of the Asian swing.

With another quarterfinal appearance secured, Eala now turns her attention to Shnaider as she looks to extend her run in the WTA 500 tournament.