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Filipina tennis star Alex Eala in action against Thailand's Patcharin Cheapchandej in the women's singles round-of-16 in the 2026 Asian Games, September 28, 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. POC Media
NAGOYA – After advancing to the quarterfinals in Asian Games women's singles tennis, Alex Eala reflected on how far she has come since her debut in the continental showcase in 2023.
Then only 18-years-old, Eala competed at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, bringing home bronze medals in women's singles and mixed doubles.
Three years later, Eala is back with a WTA Tour title, more experience on the court and a career-best ranking of No. 18 in the world.
"I think 17 to 21 are quite formative years, I would say, especially taking into account everything that I've been through. In said four years, a lot of experience professionally, and of course, a lot of growing outside of the court," Eala told POC media after her 6-1, 6-0 win over Thailand's Patcharin Cheapchandej on Monday.
READ: Eala through to quarterfinals, makes quick work of Thailand’s Cheapchandej
"So, I think, you know, of course, I'm a little bit more mature now, mentally and physically, of course, better. And I've been working hard these past four years. So, yeah, it's different this time," she added.
Three years after securing bronze, a gold medal now beckons for Eala — along with a possible spot in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles if she gets the job done.
The men's and women's singles champions at the Asian Games will secure a quota for LA 2028, as long as they stay in the top 500 at the cut-off in June 2028.
For Eala, she will not stop until she achieves her goal of winning gold at the Asiad.
"Of course, I want the gold. Everyone wants the gold. And I want it. You know, I worked hard. I'm here. I'm here to compete. Like every tournament, I want to win," she said.
"But, you know, losses are possible. Losses are possible and they happen often. So if it comes to that, I have to accept it and try to be better. But I would love the gold," Eala shared.
READ: Eala keeps focus on Asiad amid possible sanction for missing China Open
Eala will return to action in women's doubles alongside University of West Alabama standout Shaira Rivera on Tuesday afternoon.
The Filipina duo will face Hong Kong's Ching Laam Lai and Kallista Liu at Indoor Court C of the Higashiyama Koen Tennis Center.
Eala will resume her women's singles campaign when she takes on Chinese Taipei's Joanna Garland in the quarterfinals.
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