“She’s going for her shots”: Diana Shnaider explains why Alex Eala was such a difficult opponent in Ningbo
WTA
Diana Shnaider has explained what made Alex Eala such a difficult opponent after defeating the Filipino star in the second round of the 2026 Ningbo Open. The Russian secured a 7-5, 6-4 victory on Thursday, ending Eala’s campaign at the WTA 500 tournament in China after a competitive encounter.
The match was the first meeting between the two players, with Shnaider facing a left-handed opponent whose aggressive returning and ability to create angles presented a significant tactical challenge. Eala had reached the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Diane Parry, while Shnaider had needed three sets to defeat Yulia Putintseva.
Following her victory, Shnaider praised Eala’s level and explained why she had to remain composed during the tight moments. The Russian also discussed the tactical adjustments required to contain the Filipino’s aggressive game before turning her attention to her next opponent, Iva Jovic.
Shnaider explains the challenge of facing Eala
Shnaider admitted that she had expected a difficult encounter against Eala, whose strong season and aggressive style made her a dangerous opponent. The Russian was particularly pleased with how she handled the pressure throughout their first meeting.
“Yeah, definitely a very high-level match, very entertaining. I mean, obviously, I was expecting that's going to be a very tough, tight match. Again, Alex has an amazing season, she's a very dangerous opponent, lefty, big hitter, you know, she's going for her shots.
Diana Shnaider after defeating Sabalenka to reach the semi-finals at Roland Garros 2026
“Very happy the way I played, the way I also hold my composure, my emotions, because there was a lot of tight games, tight moments. I definitely raised my level from my first-round match to today. So I definitely enjoyed more with my level today. It was a great match. And I feel like both of us enjoyed our first meeting. It was a very entertaining match.”
Shnaider explained that Eala’s aggressive returning made it difficult to hold serve, forcing her to remain patient rather than trying to force the issue.
“I feel like sometimes it's a little bit hard also for outside people to understand, you know, why both of us constantly keep losing our serve," the Russian said. "But again, I had a great return and then Alex also is super aggressive on her returns.
“So that's why it's sometimes it's very hard to hold your own serve just because you constantly feel the pressure. You can't really put the second serve because then you just get a winner or you then you get pushed back. So I feel like, you know, I just try to just keep reminding myself that she's playing great and sometimes there's nothing what you can do much and also nothing that you did wrong.
“So you just got to stay at your level. And maybe sometimes, yeah, as Sasha said, just trying to defend deep through the middle because Alex is very good from the angles. She likes angles.
“So yeah, definitely there is like small moments where you can do a little bit something different. But again, she was playing very good from returns. So sometimes we just got to accept it and just wait for the moment where maybe she will do a couple more mistakes or where you have more opportunities.”
Shnaider also explained why playing deep through the middle can be effective against a player like Eala, who is comfortable creating angles when stretched out wide.
“But some of like Alex, they're actually so good on the stretch and they're much better to create angle from an angle where you just got to go through the middle deep because it's what makes their life harder to create that angle, if it makes sense.”
Shnaider turns attention to Iva Jovic
Shnaider will face American teenager Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals after the 18-year-old defeated fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3. The Russian expects another demanding contest, drawing comparisons between Jovic’s aggressive approach and the challenge posed by Eala.
“Oh, she's very dangerous. Another big hitter. This time it's going to be a right-hander. But also having an amazing season. Yeah, very talented player. It's going to be a tough match.
“I feel like she also like Alex is going for her shots. She's going to try to be as aggressive as she can.”
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Shnaider also pointed to the different conditions compared with her previous meeting with Jovic in Dubai, suggesting that the surface and ball speed could influence the upcoming match.
“Yeah, she played very good in Dubai, but I feel like it's a little bit different conditions. There was, I feel like, a faster surface. Definitely a faster ball," the former world No. 11 added. "So yeah, we're going to see what tomorrow brings to us.
“But I will definitely do my best to try to play as good as today and keep my cool. And yeah, we'll see. But it's going to be an interesting match.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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