Filipino tennis star Alex Eala said her recent loss in the Lexus Eastbourne Open final

Eala fell short in a hard-fought 4-6, 6-1, 6(10)-7 match against Australia’s Maya Joint on Saturday evening (Manila time) in England.

The 20-year-old Asian Games double bronze medalist had multiple chances to close out the match, including championship points during the tiebreak, but Joint ultimately prevailed in what became the youngest Eastbourne Open final since 1981.

In an Instagram post on Sunday morning, Eala described the loss as “one of the toughest” she has faced.

“But I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character,” she wrote.

In her post-match speech, Eala congratulated Joint for her performance.

“Well, first of all, I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and a great tournament. Yeah, I think you did really well, and I think, you know, if I was to lose to anyone this week, it would definitely be you. So, congratulations,” she said.

Eala now shifts her focus to Wimbledon, which begins next week. She is set to face defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.

“Though I’m so happy with the positive week, it’s full speed ahead to Wimbledon,” her Instagram caption read.

“I have a date with center court.”