Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is looking ahead to her next challenge after her third-round exit from the US Open, with her sights now set on representing the Philippines at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Eala was defeated by her good friend, American teenager Iva Jovic, in a grueling three-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium that lasted nearly three hours.
Despite the loss, Eala said she remains excited about competing with the Philippine team, describing the Asian Games as a different experience from her battles on the WTA Tour.
Eala is expected to be among the favorites for the women’s singles gold medal when the Asian Games begin on September 19 in Japan.
Winning the gold would also secure her an automatic berth in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
At the 2023 Asian Games, Eala won bronze medals in both the women’s singles and mixed doubles events.
Her confidence has grown significantly since then, after she became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title and climbed to a career-high world No. 18 ranking.
(Photo Courtesy: AP)
