.jpeg)
Niño Alcantara and Shaira Rivera of the Philippines in action against Iran in the mixed doubles competition of the 2026 Asian Games, September 27, 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. POC Media
NAGOYA – The tandem of Niño Alcantara and Shaira Rivera moved past Iran's Meshkatolzahra Safi and Kasra Rahmani, 6-4, 1-6, [10-8], to advance in tennis mixed doubles at the 20th Asian Games.
The Philippine pair were in control in the opening set, taking the lead after a strong performance to start the match.
The tandem from Iran got their revenge in the second set, banking on the strong serve of Rahmani while capitalizing on errors from the Filipino side to force a match tie break.
Asiad: Tolentino's season-best good for bronze in men's 110-m hurdles
Alcantara and Rivera kept their composure and came out swinging in the tie break, avoiding a collapse in the endgame.
"First set, we were playing really well. We were like making returns, making our serves. And yeah, we got the break and that's how doubles is. Like one break, you have to capitalize it and then, you know, go on and move on for the next one. And then second set, they started like really well," Alcantara told POC Media.
"Pero, you know, we managed, like we held at 5-0. So parang, good momentum for us going to the tie break. And yeah, from tie break, every point, like we fought every point and luckily we were up early. And then from there, 9-5, they came back again with pressure, but, you know, I trust my partner," he added.
As for Rivera, she said their communication and tweaks in the strategy helped them bounce back in the tie break and eventually get the win.
"After the second set, I was telling Kuya Nins, like, let's slow down, you know, let's talk, like point by point, you know, that kind of, like strategy. Kasi parang is the second set, ang bilis after the point, we go," she told POC Media.
Despite teaming up for the first time in mixed doubles, the pair leaned on their experience and upbeat chemistry to elevate their performance.
'Sobrang nakakalungkot': Alas captain Bagunas rues lack of support ahead of Asiad campaign
"We're moving really well, and we're, like, playing, we're, like, talking, we're having fun. But overall, I was so, so happy with our performance today," Alcantara said.
Alcantara and Rivera could not help but turn emotional after they booked a spot in the next round, despite the long delay due to the inclement weather.
"Good thing we warm up, sa indoor po. Naka ano, parang na-feel na namin yung indoor," Rivera said.
"Also, it's tough, because our opponent was a big hitter, so super bilis sa indoor. And we're expected to play at 2 p.m. and then we ended up playing at, like, what 7 or 8 pm," Alcantara added. The pair will recover and regroup before they next face hometown bets Shuko Aoyama and Yusuke Kusuhara in the Round of 16.