Alexandra Eala drew criticism online following her bronze-medal finish in the women’s singles tennis event at the 2026 Asian Games, with the Filipina star being labeled “overhyped” and compared with gold medal winner Carlos Yulo and EJ Obiena.
In a post on X, a netizen questioned Eala’s inconsistency after she entered the Asian Games as the top seed but failed to reach the gold medal match.
“Alex Eala is really just overhyped. She’s so inconsistent. She skipped a WTA 1000 to compete in the Asian Games, where she was a top seed, only to lose again to lower-ranked players. Only the legit champions, like Yulo and Obiena, are living up to the expectations. Disappointing,” the netizen wrote.
Alex Eala is really just overhyped. She’s so inconsistent. She skipped a WTA 1000 to compete in the Asian Games, where she was a top seed, only to lose again to lower-ranked players. Only the legit champions, like Yulo and Obiena, are living up to the expectations. Disappointing.
— chase (@soundslikechase) October 1, 2026
Eala’s gold-medal bid ended in the semifinals after she suffered a three-set defeat to China’s Xiyu Wang, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6.
The result left Eala with a bronze medal despite entering the tournament among the leading contenders for the title.
The criticism also prompted another social media user to shift attention toward archer Amaya Amparo Cojuangco, who captured silver in the women’s individual compound event.
“Yes disappointing. But how about a hand to Amaya Cojuangco. Coming out of nowhere to defeat Korea and lose the gold just by 2 points. She’s our Queen Archer,” the netizen wrote.
Amaya, wife of former Tarlac Vice Governor Kit Cojuangco, made history by reaching the women’s individual compound final before narrowly losing to Indonesia’s Nurisa Dian Ashrifah, 139-137.
Yulo and Obiena, meanwhile, both delivered gold medals for the Philippines in their respective events, with Yulo winning in gymnastics and Obiena successfully ruling the men’s pole vault competition. (By the Staff)
