Alex Eala says 'no regrets' after Asian Games semis exit, bronze finish | GMA News Online - GMA Network

NAGOYA, JAPAN — The disappointment was unmistakable on Alexandra Eala’s face.

The Filipina tennis star's attempt to win an Asian Games gold medal crashed when she lost to China’s Wang Xiyu in the women’s singles semifinals, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Eala still walked away from the competition with a bronze medal for the Philippines, but the pain of coming so close to a place in the final was evident — from the final points of the match until she made her way to the mixed zone to face reporters.

Eala opened the match strongly and raced to a 5-0 advantage in the first set before Wang slowly found her rhythm and worked her way back into the contest.

At one point during the match, Eala appeared to turn toward her father, Mike Eala, in the stands and ask what she was doing wrong — a moment that reflected the frustration of trying to find answers as the momentum began to shift.

Despite Wang’s comeback, Eala managed to take the opening set. The Chinese player, however, became steadier as the match progressed and eventually denied the Filipina a place in the gold-medal match.

“I think everyone’s constantly trying to find their way around the court and what works for them,” Eala said afterward. “But yeah, I think she played really well today.”

Asked what separated them in the match, Eala pointed to Wang’s consistency.

“I think she was more consistent. I think I had a couple of ups and downs during the match,” she said. “It’s something I have to talk with my team about and process.”

The sadness remained visible when Eala arrived at the mixed zone. Her answers were brief at times, a stark contrast to the smiles that had accompanied her victories in the earlier rounds.

But even in defeat, Eala made one thing clear: she did not regret coming to Nagoya and competing for the Philippines.

“I’m really happy to have experienced this, of course, to experience the support, to be with the team and to compete for the country again,” she said.

When asked directly whether she had any regrets about playing in the Asian Games, Eala answered simply: “No.”

“I feel like I have no regrets,” she added.

The bronze may not have been the medal Eala had hoped to win, but it still marked a podium finish for the Philippines on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

Eala also said the Asian Games gave her another measure of how far she has developed as a player.

“I think physically I’m better, more mature, more experienced, of course,” she said. “So many things. I think everything all around has improved.”

For Eala, the semifinal defeat will now become another match to study with her team — the swings in momentum, the moments when Wang became more consistent, and the questions she was visibly trying to answer on court.

Even with the disappointment still fresh, her message leaving the Asian Games was unequivocal.

Eala said she came to Nagoya to represent the Philippines, stood on the Asian Games podium with a bronze medal, and said she remained grateful that she chose to compete.

“I’m so happy to be here,” she said.