Alex Eala, Francis Alcantara lead PH tennis team to Asian Games

FILE–Alex Eala and Niño Alcantara in action during the SEA Games 2025 mixed tennis event. – SEA GAMES POC POOL

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala will lead the Philippine tennis delegation to the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan, with veteran Francis Casey Alcantara, Shaira Hope Rivera, Tennielle Madis and Stefi Marithe Aludo also named to the team.

PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said the federation expects the five players to contend in the regional competition.

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“PHILTA is fielding a strong and competitive team for the Asian Games, led by Alex Eala alongside some of the country’s best tennis players,” Tiangco said in a press release.

Eala has been competing on the WTA Tour, while Rivera has been playing in the US NCAA Division II. Mendoza said Rivera was ranked No. 2 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association doubles rankings with Alexa Joy Milliam at the end of the season in May 2026. She was also ranked seventh in singles.

Madis and Aludo recently left for the University of Hawaii on full-ride scholarships. According to Mendoza, their Division I coach allowed them to compete for the Philippines in the Asian Games.

READ: Alex Eala set to play in 2026 Asian Games, Philta confirms

Alcantara brings the most experience on the national team, having played 26 ties for the Philippine Davis Cup team. He has also won medals in doubles and team competitions at Asian and Southeast Asian tournaments.

Mendoza said Alcantara has continued to compete in futures and Challenger doubles tournaments and is currently in Vietnam for another tournament.

Rivera, Madis and Aludo were members of the Billie Jean King Cup team that earned the Philippines a promotion to Asia/Oceania Group I in Malaysia last June. They also won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last year.

The team will be coached by Denise Dy, with Sandro Viaene traveling with Eala as her coach. Bobie Angelo, who was the BJK Cup team coach, is also part of the coaching staff.

“I’m super thankful to be part of the delegation again,” Alcantara said.

Rivera said she is looking forward to representing the Philippines.

“Wearing my country’s name means everything to me. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I will give my heart and my best in every match to make the Philippines proud,” she said.