Alex Eala has declared she is “proud” after losing a “huge battle” to Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals at the 2026 Pan Pacific Open.
The Filipina was beaten 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 by world No 13 Shnaider in a two-hour-and-52-minute contest in Tokyo on Friday.
World No 19 Eala was also beaten by Shnaider in the second round at the Ningbo Open last week.
In her post-match press conference, Eala said: “It was a huge battle, and I think both of us could reach or could take the match to a really, really high level.
“So, I’m proud of that despite the loss, but I do think, yeah, I had my chances. And next time, hopefully I do better in those moments.”
The 21-year-old also spoke about the support she received in Japan.
“Of course, to be in front of the crowd and to play in front of this atmosphere is always super special,” Eala said.
“And I love Japan as a whole, whether I’m here for tennis or not, so I really had fun.”
More to follow…
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