![Alex Eala Asian Games](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/alex-eala-asian-games-620x465.jpg)
Alex Eala (center) with Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz (fourth from left) and parents Rizza and Mike (fourth and third from right) after the Philippine tennis ace’s dominant start in her maiden campaign at the Asian Games. –JUNE NAVARRO/INQUIRER
HANGZHOU, China – Alex Eala put on a show in her Asian Games debut, beating Sarah Ibrahim Khan 6-0, 6-0 in the women’s singles on Monday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center.
The 18-year-old Filipino tennis prodigy defeated a rival almost twice her age and simply overpowered the 32-year-old Khan from start to finish, culminating with a pair of aces, to advance to the next round.
“It was a great match and it was good for my self-confidence,” said Eala, currently ranked 191 in the world. “I think I came in with a great attitude and a great mentality.”
Alex Eala says the convincing win on her debut at the Asian Games is good for her confidence. #AsianGames through @junavINQ | https://t.co/gmsdJm3BgR pic.twitter.com/kb7NQMp346
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 25, 2023
A gold medal here in Asia automatically offers a place at the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
Eala admitted it would be a steep climb to get to the final, where a star-studded cast battles for that sole Olympic spot.
“I am amused by the presence of the (Asian tennis) stars here, but I have to remember that this is still a competition,” Eala said.
![Alex Eala](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/alex-eala-620x413.jpeg)
Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook
Chinese promising star Zheng Qinwen is one of the top players looking for a ticket for Paris.
Zheng is currently ranked 22nd in the world and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2023 US Open after beating last year’s number two Ons Jabeur.
“Sometimes it’s hard to concentrate. There are a lot of things to do, the games, events and all that. I will try to treat this as a new tournament,” said Eala.
Eala will also play in the mixed doubles with Ruben Gonzales. Both armed with impressive references, the tandem is considered one of the favorites.
Another member of the team is Francis Alcantara, who is aiming for a podium finish to end the country’s medal drought at the Games since Filipino-American Cecil Mamiit led the squad to a pair of bronze medals at the Doha 2006 edition.