Tennielle Madis calls Alex Eala her idol 'on and off the court' after Asian Games singles exit

NAGOYA, JAPAN — Philippine women’s tennis team member Tennielle Madis may have bowed out of the women’s singles competition at the 20th Asian Games, but the young Filipina is taking inspiration from teammate and fellow national player Alex Eala as she prepares for her next event.

Madis suffered a defeat against Japan's Himeno Sakatsume in the women’s singles but will return to action in the doubles competition, saying she and her partner, Stefi Aludo, are determined to make the most of another opportunity to represent the Philippines.

“Doubles match tomorrow, and we'll do our best with my partner,” Madis said in an interview with the Philippine Olympic Committee media.

For Madis, simply competing at the Asian Games, the biggest multi-sport event in Asia, is already an experience she does not want to take for granted.

She said seeing Filipino supporters in the stands also gave the Philippine tennis team an additional boost, as teammates continue to support one another throughout the competition.

Among those Madis looks up to is Eala, the Philippines’ top women’s tennis player and one of the country’s biggest medal hopes in Nagoya.

Asked if she considers Eala an idol, Madis quickly replied, “Sobra po. Sobra idol ko po si Ate Alex.”

(Alex is really my idol.)

Madis said Eala has also been generous in sharing advice with the younger members of the national team, making an impact beyond her performances on the tennis court.

“Dami rin po niyang advice sa amin. And sobrang kind po talaga ni Ate Alex, and idol talaga namin on and off the court. She really inspires us to be better athletes talaga, to strive more as athletes.”

(She has a lot of advice for us. Ate Alex is kind and she is really our idol on and off the court. She really inspires us to be better athletes, to strive more as athletes.)

Madis said the members of the Philippine women’s tennis team, including Eala, Shaira Rivera, and Steffi Carranceja, continue to rally behind each other as their Asian Games campaign moves forward.

After her singles exit, Madis now turns her attention to doubles, hoping to bounce back and continue fighting for the Philippines in Nagoya.

—JKC, GMA News