By Samantha Yu
MANILA — Alex Eala’s drive for Asian Games women’s singles gold was stopped by China’s Wang Xiyu, who rallied from a set down to beat the Filipina ace, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, in Thursday’s semifinal in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The World No. 18 Eala made a fast start, racing to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Wang began to claw her way back. The Chinese World No. 62 won three straight games, but Eala stayed composed and served out the set, 6-3.
Wang seized the momentum in the second set, building a 5-1 advantage. Eala refused to go quietly, cutting the deficit to 5-3, but Wang held serve to level the match.
Eala opened the deciding set with an early lead, only for Wang to respond immediately. The Chinese player moved ahead 4-1 and maintained control down the stretch to secure her place in the final.
The defeat means Eala will again settle for a women’s singles bronze, matching her semifinal finish at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Eala’s women’s doubles campaign with Shaira Rivera also ended in the second round. The Filipino pair lost to China’s Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan, 5-7, 2-6, after opening the competition with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Hong Kong’s Ching Laam Lai and Kallista Liu.
The Asiad setback comes as Eala enjoys one of the biggest years of her young career.
TIME recently named the Filipina star to its TIME100 Next 2026, an annual list highlighting emerging figures with growing global influence. Eala was selected in the Innovators category and was the only tennis player on the prestigious list.
Her TIME profile also carried a tribute from 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who recognized Eala’s development and determination.
Eala’s semifinal loss likewise ended her opportunity to use the Asian Games singles title as a qualification pathway toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, subject to the applicable requirements.
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