The Philippine Women’s Tennis Team, led by Shaira Rivera, now has an assured bronze medal as they compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Tennis semifinals after beating Vietnam on the afternoon of December 10 at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Opening Singles: A Bad Start for the Filipinas
The Philippine women’s tennis team opened its 33rd SEA Games campaign with a nerve-wracking battle against Vietnam, a squad that entered the tournament as one of the previous edition’s bronze medalists.
Despite fielding a youthful lineup, the Philippines leaned heavily on its veterans for its opening assignment.
SEA Games newcomer Alexa Milliam stepped onto the court first, tasked with facing Vietnam’s top player. Milliam, named ITA National Freshman of the Year earlier in the season and now competing for the University of West Alabama, pushed the match to the limit in her Games debut.
She nearly completed a spirited comeback but ultimately fell in a tight three-setter. The opening loss placed the Philippines in an early hole and added pressure to the remaining rubbers.
FINAL SCORES = SET 1: 6-2, SET 2: 6-4, SET 3: 7-6(3)
Head coach Denise Dy had intentionally rested world No. 50 Alex Eala for deeper medal-round competition, but Milliam’s narrow defeat briefly put that strategy at risk as the team suddenly trailed Vietnam, 0-1.
Shaira Rivera Levels the Tie With a Commanding Win
With the Philippines needing a lifeline, four-time SEA Games campaigner Shaira Rivera stepped up in the second singles match.
Rivera, also representing the University of West Alabama, showcased her experience and composure as she dominated Vietnam’s Thuy Thanh Truc Tran in straight sets. Her victory not only revived the Philippine campaign but also forced the tie into a decisive doubles showdown.
FINAL SCORES = SET 1: 6-2, SET 2: 6-2
Throughout the tournament, Dy repeatedly pointed to Rivera and Eala as anchors of the team, praising the influence they have had both on and off the court.
She told the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media:
“They’ve been great mentors, you know, they’re great role models in general — whether singles, doubles, or off the court. I think those types of things come a long way and they’ve been doing a great job so far. I think that’s kind of why we’ve had the success we’ve had so far,” Dy said.
Do-or-Die Doubles: Fighting Through Cramps and Fatigue
With the series tied at one match apiece, Rivera and Milliam returned for the doubles decider.
Already coming off demanding singles matches, both Filipinas fought visible fatigue, and at one point, Rivera battled leg cramps when they faced Vietnam’s duo of Van Nguyen Chanelle and Nguyen Ly.
The Philippines snatched the opening set, but Vietnam capitalized on Rivera’s limited movement and struck back to take the second.
Despite the momentum shift, Milliam and Rivera tapped into sheer grit in the deciding frame, pulling away within the third set to seal the tie, the semifinal berth, and an assured bronze medal.
FINAL SCORES = SET 1: 7-5, SET 2: 6-3. SET 3: 6-2
She had spent the day cheering from the sidelines and will finally suit up in the upcoming semifinal against powerhouse host nation Thailand, a team bannered by world No. 134 Lanlana Tararudee, world No. 238 Mananchaya Sawangkaew, and world doubles No. 122 Peangtarn Plipuech.
Team Reflections: Lessons, Leadership, and a Promising Start
Following the emotional victory, Rivera and Milliam, who were both cramping by the end, shared relief and excitement at overcoming Vietnam’s gritty challenge.
Milliam was actually experiencing her first SEA Games, acknowledged the pressure of the moment, but expressed pride in her effort.
“Sobrang exciting kasi first time ko maging part ng SEA Games. Tapos, ang dami pang crowd, so, a bit pressured pero binigay ko naman yung best ko,” she said during the postgame interview.
She added then added:
“Keep grinding, you know? Kase marami pang laban.”
Dy, meanwhile, emphasized that the team’s opening triumph is merely the beginning of what this young group can achieve in Nonthaburi.
“There’s definitely a lot of potential in this group and I think this is only the beginning,” she said.
Looking Ahead: A Shot at the Finals
With the quarterfinal win secured, the Philippines advances to Friday’s semifinal round, where Eala is expected to finally take the court and lead the charge against Thailand.
The victory over Vietnam guaranteed the Filipinas at least a bronze medal, but the squad remains hungry for more.
As the tournament progresses, the blend of youth, international exposure, and veteran leadership continues to shape the Philippines’ campaign, one that wasn’t built not just on talent, but on composure, resilience, and the belief that this is only the start of what they can accomplish at the 33rd SEA Games.
