Graphics by Dyric Espinosa

Alexandra Eala’s bid for the women’s singles gold medal ended with a bronze finish after China’s Wang Xiyu defeated her, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, in the semifinals at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Nagoya, Japan, Thursday, October 1.

The loss marked another semifinal setback against Chinese opposition for Eala after she fell to Zheng Qinwen at the 2023 Asian Games.

Eala started strongly, racing to a 5-0 lead before Wang fought back.

The Filipina held on to take the opening set, 6-3.

Wang, ranked No. 82 in the world, responded in the second set and forced a decider with a 6-3 win.

Eala tried to regain control in the third but found herself trailing 1-4.

Wang then pulled away with consecutive points to close out the match, 6-2.

Ranked a career-high No. 18 in the world, Eala entered the tournament as the highest-ranked player in the field.

The result ended her bid to become the first Filipino tennis player to win an Asian Games singles gold since Johnny Jose in the men’s singles event.

Despite the setback, Eala remained grateful for another opportunity to represent the Philippines on the Asian Games stage.

“It meant a lot to me to be here and to compete. At the end of the day, I gave my all,” Eala said.

“A lot of good points, a lot of tough moments for me. I think in the end, she played better. Have to sit and think about it,” she added.

Eala will next compete at the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12.

Article by Christian Octaviano