Shaira Rivera of the Philippines in action in the women's doubles in the tennis competitions of the 2026 Asian Games, September 29, 2026 at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan. POC Media.MANILA — Shaira Rivera and Alex Eala were paired up for the first time, but their partnership proved effective as they opened their campaign in the tennis women’s doubles of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in triumphant fashion.
Rivera and Eala took down Hong Kong’s Lai Ching Laam and Liu Kallista, 6-1, 6-3, to advance to the Round of 16 on Thursday, but the Compostela Valley native acknowledged that she felt some jitters early in the match.
“First time kong maka-partner si Alex. At first, parang kinakabahan po ako,” said the 5-foot-5 Rivera. “Mas grabe yung experience niya, pero nag-enjoy lang kaming dalawa.”
Rivera admitted that it was overwhelming to pair up with Eala, given the prowess of the 21-year-old, who is currently ranked World No. 18 by the Women’s Tennis Association.
“Akala ko hindi ako makakapalo,” said the 27-year-old Rivera.
But as the match progressed, Rivera said they quickly built their chemistry, with Eala also guiding her as they overcame Hong Kong’s strong push in the second set.
“Tawanan, may time na kumanta pa kami nang kaunti,” said Rivera, who delivered the game-winning point in the ninth game of the second set. “Gina-guide niya ako. ‘It’s okay, it’s okay to miss. Let’s go, let’s fight.’”
Rivera and Eala will look to build on the momentum they have gained when they face China’s Xinyu Jiang and Zhaoxuan Yang in the Round of 16 tomorrow, with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake.
”Sleep early, and ready to fight tomorrow,” said Rivera.