Alexandra Eala Targets Asian Games Gold After US Open

MANILA: (News Desk) – Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala is already looking ahead to the Asian Games after her hard-fought exit from the US Open, saying she is excited to experience the team atmosphere in Japan.

The 21-year-old rising star is expected to be among the leading contenders for the women’s singles gold medal when the Asian Games begin on September 19.

Eala earned a bronze medal in the singles competition at the 2023 Asian Games in China and also collected bronze in mixed doubles. Since then, her career has reached new heights.

Last month, she became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA singles title and has since climbed to a career-high world ranking of 18. Her breakthrough performances have also turned her into a major sporting figure in the Philippines.

Speaking after her three-set loss to American teenager Iva Jovic in New York on Saturday, Eala said she enjoys representing her country and competing alongside the Philippine team.

She recalled her experiences at the Southeast Asian Games, where she won singles gold last year, describing the team environment as enjoyable and saying the memories have stayed with her.

China’s Zheng Qinwen won the women’s singles gold medal at the previous Asian Games but will not return to defend her title in Aichi-Nagoya. Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will also miss the event as she competes at the China Open in Beijing.

For Eala, the Asian Games carry added significance, with a singles gold medal securing an automatic qualification place for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

However, her schedule presents a challenge. Eala is due to compete at the Singapore Open from September 21 to 27, overlapping with the Asian Games women’s singles competition, which begins on September 21.