Alex Eala’s campaign at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo came to an end in the quarterfinals after losing to Diana Shnaider for the second time in a fortnight.

Just over a week after Shnaider knocked Eala out of the Ningbo Open, the Roland Garros semifinalist did the same once again in the Japanese capital, coming back from a set down to triumph, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4. In her second consecutive tour-level semifinal, she will take on 18-year-old Slovakian Mia Pohankova, who upset Naomi Osaka earlier in the tournament.

Despite the defeat, Eala’s fans were left ‘proud’ of the 21-year-old’s performance against an in-form Shnaider.

Alex Eala’s fans react on social media after her loss in Tokyo

One fan of the world number 19 took to X to say: “I know she lost, but that was some of the best tennis Alex Eala has played all year. That was a battle!”

Another fan said: “I will not accept any Alex Eala slander! This match was so good! This loss stings a little more than Ningbo because she was so close, but Alex fought valiantly. Her serve still needs improvement, but we saw a glimpse of what a good service game looks like from her in Set 1.”

This user stated: “Despite the disappointment, reaching the last eight of a WTA 500 event is a positive impact. Every match is a lesson. Every setback is part of the journey.”

Another said: “Super proud and contented with how Alex Eala played today’s match. You can see the level is too high for both players; it could be the best match of the tournament.”

Finally, this fan concluded: “That was fun. The double faults looked bad for Eala, but I’m glad to see her hunting aces or at least a good serve.” Eala recorded seven double faults in the clash with Shnaider.

Alex Eala’s next tournament on the WTA Tour

After the defeat in Tokyo, Eala will now head to Hong Kong for her last tournament of the 2026 season. She is set to compete in the Hong Kong Tennis Open, a WTA 250 event which marks the last stop of the Asian swing, and the last tour-level competition before the WTA Finals.

Eala made her tournament debut at the Hong Kong Tennis Open last season, where she advanced to the second round after her opening opponent, Katie Boulter, was forced to retire during their match. Eala ultimately lost to third seed Victoria Mboko, who came back from a set down to win.

Eala’s appearance in Hong Kong could be in doubt after she struggled with a right foot issue during her match with Shnaider.