Alexandra Eala has added yet another piece of silverware to her ever-expanding collection this month, having claimed the bronze medal in the tennis singles at the Asian Games.
It represented an underperformance for her ranking, as she was the heavy favourite to claim gold, but it was still an admirable showing after what has been an outstanding season for her personally.
And, it once again afforded her the golden opportunity to represent her country, which the youngster relishes.
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of all this was Shaira Rivera, who was given the luxury of actually partnering Alexandra Eala in the ladies’ doubles too.
Although their run was cut short rather early, the 27-year-old remains enamoured with her compatriot.
Shaira Rivera praises Alex Eala for her conduct on court
Chatting with Dyan Castillejo for ABS-CBN News, they reviewed a relatively successful Asian Games for the Philippines, which saw them finish 17th out of 46 countries, claiming 29 total medals.
Asked about her fleeting partnership with Eala, and whether she was nervous initially, Rivera admitted: ”Yeah, of course, because I didn’t get the chance to practice with Alex, and even, like, we just see each other here, because she’s so busy, and then, you know, she doesn’t have, like, her schedule is, like, if she has tournaments now, then tournament again.
“But overall, I enjoyed it a lot, and I’m just grateful and blessed.”
Then, asked what she was like on the court, Rivera added: “Yeah, like, especially in the first round, because I don’t really know Alex inside the court.
“Every time I have good shots, she always, like, complimented me, and, you know, like, always says, Oh, thank you, you know. I mean, Alex Eala complimented me, so I’m like killing!”
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Sadly for Eala, she departed Nagoya with just one medal, a bronze in the singles. Before the event began, there was quiet confidence that she could have claimed gold, and therefore it feels like an opportunity missed.
Alas, she seemingly remained upbeat despite these defeats, having lost to Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan in just the second round of the Asian Games.
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Rivera posted a heartfelt message to Eala straight afterwards, expressing her gratitude and highlighting just how revered this 21-year-old sensation is in her home country.
Now, it’s back to usual WTA Tour action for her, as she heads from Japan to China to compete in the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan.
There have already been some high-profile withdrawals, which will boost her chances of success.
Eala is also set to avoid punishment for opting to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games over playing the ongoing mandatory event in Beijing.
