Alex Eala’s doubles partner at the Asian Games says what it is really like to play a match with her
Tennis star Alex Eala and her doubles partner Shaira Rivera have successfully teamed up for the Asian Games in Nagoya. Rivera, a college player, shared her experience of playing alongside the world-ranked Eala, highlighting the camaraderie and chemistry between the two.
Why it matters
The partnership highlights the intersection of professional and collegiate tennis talent in international multi-sport events.
Alex Eala and Shaira Rivera are playing together for the first time at the Asian Games.
Eala has risked receiving a fine from the WTA Tour after skipping the China Open to compete in both singles and doubles at the Asian Games this year.
The Filipina has made a positive start in both events, with Eala and Rivera winning their opening doubles match against Hong Kong's Ching Laam Lai and Kallista Liu, who they beat 6-1, 6-3.
Although Rivera is playing alongside Eala , she does not have a WTA ranking and is primarily an American college player, and she has now revealed how it felt to play alongside one of the biggest stars in tennis right now.
Following their opening victory together at the Asian Games, Rivera and Eala spoke to media in Nagoya, Japan, where the event is being held.
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