Alex Eala has enjoyed a stellar 2026 campaign. That much is impossible to deny.
However, of late, her form has taken a rather drastic downturn, with the Asian swing having not brought about the kind of success and prosperity she might have hoped for.
Following on from a historic US Open campaign, the Filipina star has yet to string together two consecutive wins on the WTA Tour and underwhelmed at the Asian Games, where she was the heavy favourite to win gold.
If her season ended now, Alexandra Eala and her fans would and should still label it an overwhelming success.
However, the big problem that has emerged throughout the year, and has plagued her even now in Ningbo, persists.
Alex Eala’s big issue which has plagued her 2026 campaign
Facing Diana Shnaider today at the Ningbo Open represented a stern Round of 16 test, and arguably an unfair one for a match that early in the tournament.
That being said, the manner in which she lost will have caused some alarm, as her serve once again broke down time and time again.
In total, Eala conceded 13 break points, with her opponent converting six of them. Her stellar return game could not save her today.
However, it is not just Shnaider who has proven to be a thorn in the Filipina’s side, but actually everyone ranked between 11th and 20th in the WTA rankings.
Last year, of the three matches she played against players within this range, she won two. This year, having upped her level and enjoyed deep runs far more often, she has now won just one of ten.
It’s a strange and rather unique record, similar to Eala’s struggles to beat Czech opponents. However, it is exactly this calibre of opponent she needs to start beating if she is to continue enjoying strong performances at tournaments.
After all, her record against top ten players this year has been outstanding, having won seven of the ten she has played.
Shnaider spoke positively about Eala after their match, in what was a unique battle of the left-handed players.
The 21-year-old will next play in Tokyo, starting next week.