Alex Eala’s bid for an Asian Games women’s singles gold medal ended with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 semifinal loss to China’s Wang Xiyu, but the Filipino tennis star had a simple answer when asked whether she regretted competing.
‘No.’
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‘I feel like I have no regrets,’ Eala added after settling for the bronze medal at Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan.
Even with the loss, Eala focused on what the Asian Games gave her beyond the result.
‘I’m really happy to have experienced this, of course, to experience the support, to be with the team and to compete for the country again,’ she said.
Eala also believes she has changed substantially as a player since her previous experiences on the international stage.
‘I think physically I’m better, more mature, more experienced, of course,’ she said. ‘So many things. I think everything all around has improved.’
That made her verdict on competing in the Asian Games unequivocal even after seeing a first-set lead disappear in the semifinals.
There was a match to review with her team and a bronze medal rather than the gold she had pursued.
There were no regrets.
‘I’m so happy to be here,’ Eala said.