ALEX Eala was one set away from an Asian Games women’s singles final berth, but China’s Wang Xiyu turned the match around to beat the Filipina ace, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, Thursday in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The World No. 18 Eala came out firing and quickly built a 5-0 cushion in the first set. Wang fought her way back to 5-3, but Eala held firm and took the opening frame.

Wang then found her rhythm in the second set, racing to a 5-1 lead. Eala tried to rally and pulled within 5-3, but Wang answered by closing the set and forcing the deciding frame.

The third set began with Eala taking an early lead, but Wang immediately countered. The Chinese standout surged ahead 4-1 and eventually won the final games to reach the gold-medal match.

Eala will settle for another singles bronze, the same medal she earned after reaching the semifinals at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Her doubles partnership with Rivera also ended earlier in the tournament. The Filipina duo lost to Jiang Xinyu and Yang Zhaoxuan of China, 5-7, 2-6, in the second round after defeating Hong Kong’s Ching Laam Lai and Kallista Liu in their opener.

Eala nevertheless heads home from the Games with significant recognition on the international stage.

She was named to TIME100 Next 2026, joining a select group of emerging personalities identified by TIME for their growing influence. Eala was listed in the Innovators category and was the sole tennis player included.

Nadal wrote the accompanying tribute, adding another prestigious name to Eala’s rapidly growing list of international admirers.

The semifinal defeat also closes Eala’s opportunity to gain the Asian Games singles qualification pathway for Los Angeles 2028, which requires the singles gold medal and compliance with the relevant conditions.