Alex Eala reaches semi-finals in quest for Asian Games gold

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the women's singles semi-finals at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after defeating Joanna Garland of Chinese Taipei 7-5, 6-0 in the quarter-finals. The 21-year-old, ranked No 18 in the WTA rankings, secured her spot in the semi-finals by not allowing Garland a foothold in the match.

Eala finished with 77 points, 23 more than her opponent, and converted seven of her 15 break-point chances. Representing her country in international competitions, including the SEA Games, Asian Games, and potentially the Olympics, is very close to Eala's heart and a significant part of her dream. The match started with a tight battle, going back and forth all the way to 5-5, but Eala secured the set with a crucial break in the 11th game.

Eala, a double bronze medallist at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, was unbeatable in the second set, as she dominated her opponent, who was ranked No 168 in the world, and converted seven of her 15 break-point chances. The match was played indoors due to rain, and Eala will face fourth seed Wang Xiyu of China next, who defeated local player Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.