Tenny Madis’ women’s singles campaign came to an end after she suffered a straight-sets defeat to Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume at the 20th Asian Games on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Filipina fell to the hometown bet, 1-6, 0-6, in the opening match on center court at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.
Sakatsume, ranked No. 119 in the WTA rankings and seeded seventh for Japan, controlled the match from the outset, preventing Madis from settling into a rhythm. Despite the result, Madis embraced the experience of competing on center court against one of Japan’s top players.
“I’m excited po, but at the same time I’m kinakabahan po kasi sa center court. But it’s an opportunity for me to play on center court and a seed seven player for Japan,” Madis told POC Media.
The M’lang, North Cotabato native acknowledged the areas she needs to improve as she continues her development on the international stage.
(C) POC Media Group
“I need to train hard pa po talaga. I mean hindi lang double time kungdi ten times pa na training. I need to palakasin pa yung muscles, yung physical ko po,” she said.
Madis credited her training stint with the University of Hawai’i at Manoa for helping her prepare for the Asian Games, particularly alongside women’s doubles partner Stefi Aludo. The Filipino pair will now turn their attention to the doubles competition, where they will face Indonesia’s Anjali Junarto and Meydiana Reinnamah.
“We’ll do our best. Gagapangin namin tomorrow yung laro namin. Kakayanin po namin,” Madis said.
The young netter also expressed her appreciation for the support she has received from Philippine tennis, including the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), as she continues her international journey.
“I’m so very thankful and blessed sa lahat ng lahat na binigay sa akin ng Philippine tennis. Pati po yung PHILTA, yung suporta po nila sa akin. I will always thank God for this opportunity na binigay Niya sa akin and my family, my friends,” she said.
Madis remains in contention for a medal in women’s doubles as she and Aludo begin their Asian Games campaign.
