Alex Eala’s Singapore Open Opponent Makes Bizarre ‘Octopus’ Claim

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JULY 30: Tatiana Prozorova plays against Peyton Stearns of the United States during the WTA 250 Memphis Classic round of 16 match at Leftwich Tennis Center on July 30, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) Getty

Tatiana Prozorova needed only one word to describe the challenge Alex Eala presents on a tennis court.

It was an unusual comparison but an unmistakable compliment from the Russian ahead of their round-of-16 match Thursday at the Singapore Tennis Open. Prozorova believes Eala's speed, reach and ability to create offense from difficult positions make the world No. 18 particularly troublesome.

"She's very good. I mean, she's like an octopus, you know," Prozorova told Daily Tribune in Singapore.