The loss follows a recent setback for Eala, who was defeated by Wang Xiyu in the semifinals of the 20th Asian Games just 11 days prior. For her opponent, the victory represents a significant milestone, as Shi secured her first-ever WTA 1000 tournament win while extending her recent run of form against top-100 opposition, having previously defeated Kamila Rakhimova and Peyton Stearns.
A match of shifting momentum
The opening set was a tightly contested affair, with both players successfully defending their service games through the first eight games to remain level at 4-4. Eala faced pressure in the ninth game, where she fended off two break points to edge ahead. She then capitalized on that momentum in the following game, overcoming a 40-0 deficit on Shi’s serve to secure a decisive break and claim the set 6-4. Despite the lead, Eala struggled with consistency, recording 17 unforced errors compared to 11 from her opponent.
The second set mirrored the early stages of the first, with the score locked at 3-3 after six games. However, the dynamic shifted in the seventh game when Shi secured the first break of the set. The Chinese qualifier consolidated her lead with a hold and eventually broke Eala again in the ninth game to take the set 6-3. Shi’s increased aggression was evident during this period, as she tallied 12 winners to Eala’s seven, effectively dictating the pace of the rallies.
Decisive final set
Shi maintained her momentum into the deciding set, holding serve in the opener before breaking Eala in the second game. A subsequent hold gave the world No. 217 a commanding 3-0 lead. Although Eala managed to halt Shi’s seven-game winning streak by saving a break point in the fourth game, she was unable to recover the deficit. Both players held serve for the remainder of the match, allowing Shi to close out the final set 6-3 and seal the upset.
Following her departure from Wuhan, Eala is scheduled to remain in China for her next competition. She is currently slated to participate in the WTA 500 Ningbo Open, which is set to commence on October 19.
