Nonthaburi: The Philippine tennis team is determined to enhance its performance at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, set to take place from December 9 to 20 at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Leading the women's squad is world No. 50 Alexandra Eala, alongside seasoned player Shaira Hope Rivera and newcomers Tennielle Madis, Stefi Marithe Aludo, and Alexa Joy Milliam.
According to Philippines News Agency, all eyes will be on Eala, who made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam match in the Open era. She achieved a remarkable victory over 14th seed Clara Tauson of Denmark at the US Open in August. As a wild card, Eala reached the Miami Open semifinals by defeating three Grand Slam champions, including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek. Eala also secured her first Women's Tennis Association title at the Guadalajara 125 in September.
Women's head coach Denise Dy expressed that Eala's presence significantly boosts the team's chances for a medal. "Having a player of that caliber is exciting. She's a strong contender for gold, and our team is competitive," Dy stated.
Tennielle Madis, who recently swept the ITF J30 Manila leg, shared her excitement about debuting at the SEA Games. "I know the tough challenge ahead, and as a first-timer, I know that I have to be both physically and mentally strong to beat my opponents," Madis commented after her victory at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
Madis has been successful this year, winning multiple singles titles, including the Philippine Columbian Association Open and Olivarez Cup, along with several doubles titles with Aludo. Host Thailand will field Mai Sawangkaew and Ruangkhaw Thararudee, Indonesia will feature defending singles champion Madelyn Nugroho and Janice Chen, while Vietnam will be represented by Savannah Ly Nguyen, a bronze medalist in 2023 Cambodia.
Meanwhile, the Philippine men's team, coached by former Davis Cup player Joseph Lizardo, includes reigning doubles champions Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara, experienced players Jed Olivarez and Alberto Lim Jr., and newcomer Arthur Craig Pantino. This team competed at the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania zone qualifier last July in Malaysia, where the Philippines was promoted to Group 3 after sweeping all four matches, including a 2-0 win over Kyrgyzstan in their playoff tie.
