Alex Eala’s Asian Games Singles Campaign Ends With Bronze
Photographed by Martin Romero
The Filipina tennis star falls to China’s Wang Xiyu in the women’s singles semifinals but secures a bronze medal for the Philippines.
Alex Eala goes home with a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games after falling to China’s Wang Xiyu in the women’s singles semifinals October 1 at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Nagoya, Japan.
In a campaign that started with a victory over Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand in the round of 16, Eala’s most recent match was the semifinal. She then advanced to the final four and ensured at least a bronze medal by defeating Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei, 7-5, 6-0, in the quarterfinals.
Eala lost to Wang, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, ending her bid for the women’s singles gold medal. Eala began the semifinal against Wang, the tournament’s No. 4 seed, by taking the set 6-3. Wang responded in the second set, leveling the match at 3-6 and forcing a deciding third set. The Chinese player then carried that momentum into the final set, eventually closing out the match 2-6 and advancing to the gold-medal match.
Although the semifinal defeat ends Eala’s bid for the Asian Games women’s singles gold medal, she leaves Nagoya with a bronze medal, having reached the final four of the competition. The result is Eala’s second Asian Games bronze in women’s singles, following her semifinal loss to China’s Qinwen Zheng at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Earlier this year, Eala also became the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title, adding the Mubadala Citi DC Open title to her professional milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alex Eala is a professional tennis player from the Philippines who holds the highest singles ranking in Southeast Asian WTA history at world No. 18.
Alex Eala won a bronze medal in women’s singles tennis at the 20th Asian Games after falling to China’s Wang Xiyu in the semifinals.
The Asian Games, also known as the Asiad, is a major sports competition held every four years for athletes from across Asia. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is the second-largest multi-sport event in the world, right after the Olympic Games.
As of this writing, the Philippines is ranked 17th in the 20th Asian Games.
Her next tournament after the Asian Games is the Wuhan Open in China.