Alexandra Eala is headed to the semifinal round of the 2026 Asian Games after taking down Joanna Garland 7-5, 6-0 on Wednesday in Aichi-Nagoya. The straight-set win locks in at least a bronze for the Philippines.
Alex Eala Rallies After 1st Set to Secure Asian Games Bronze
Despite the final score line, victory didn't come easy for the tournament's top seed. Eala trailed 4-5 in the opening set thanks to a strong service game from Garland. After breaking multiple times in the first frame, Eala managed to win three consecutive games at five-all. She'd go on to shut out Garland in the second set, wrapping the match in just under two hours.
Eala's semifinal appearance improves on the result she posted at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, where she took home bronze. She'll face China's Wang Xiyu, the No. 4 seed, next, with a shot at gold still in play.
No matter what color medal she brings home in Aichi-Nagoya, 2026 has been a breakout year for the 21-year-old.
Earlier in the season, she became the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title at the Mubadala DC Open. A podium upgrade at the 2026 Asian Games would add to her collection, but it would also give her an automatic berth into the 2028 LA Olympics.
That's partly why Eala risked a $10,000 fine from the WTA for skipping the mandatory China Open to compete in this year's games.
"The Olympics is a dream for me to be able to compete there, to represent my country," Eala said. "So, yeah, let’s see how it goes."
