What Alex Eala did immediately after winning her first doubles match at the Asian Games
Lai and Liu were simply no match for Eala and Rivera, who were the better team from start to finish. Team Hong Kong held serve to start, but then lost six consecutive games as their Filipina rivals took the opening set. They improved in the second set, and even threatened to break at 2-2, 0-30, before Eala took control of her service game and held. Some excellent net play from Eala then earned the Philippines a break in the next game, converting the victory shortly after.
Alex Eala hit with Shaira Rivera straight after winning their doubles match at the Asian Games
The Asian Games tennis event has been held indoors so far because of the adverse weather in Japan. Eala and Rivera played their opening doubles match metres away from several other matches. After securing the win and embracing the Hong Kong duo, Eala ran over to her team, then to the umpire, seemingly requesting to continue playing on court.
How concerned are you about Alex Eala’s form indoors? 😬
Not too concerned. I have faith she’ll get better on the surface, as she has with every other surfa
As the matches around them had concluded, Eala’s request was granted, and she immediately began practicing with her doubles partner, Rivera. The Filipinas intended to cool down, but Eala played with her trademark intensity, pushing her countrywoman even after their first-round doubles match.
Alex Eala/Shaira Rivera vs Ching Laam Lai/Kallista Liu – Match stats
| Stats | Philippines | Hong Kong |
| Aces | 1 | 0 |
| Double faults | 2 | 4 |
| 1st Serve % | 37/49 (77%) | 41/57 (72% |
| 2nd Serve % | 9/11 82% | 12/16 (75%) |
| Break points | 4/10 (40%) | 0/0 (0%) |
Eala’s determination to improve and train will surely fill Filipino fans with confidence that their star will bring home the gold medal later this week. The 21-year-old needs to rest up, though, with a busy schedule ahead of her…
What’s next for Alex Eala at the Asian Games?
Eala currently has one match scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, although that is subject to change. Eala is expected to play Taiwan’s Joanna Garland (WTA #143) in the Asian Games quarter-finals.
Alex Eala’s route to the Asian Games singles title
- 1R – Bye
- 2R [WIN] vs Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0
- QF vs Joanna Garland
- SF vs Wang Xiyu
- F vs Zhang Shuai
Garland was with Eala in Singapore last week, but unlike the Filipina, Garland enjoyed success in Southeast Asia. The Taiwanese won her two qualifying matches before defeating Storm Hunter in the opening round. She then lost to Xinyu Wang in the second round, while Eala lost to Tatiana Prozorova.
Eala will play Garland in singles and will also return to play doubles with Rivera against the Chinese third seeds, Xinyu Jiang and Zhaoxuan Yang. Their second-round doubles match could be played later on Wednesday, September 30, or on Thursday, October 1.
