Filipina tennis standout Tennielle “Tenny” Madis is vowing to train even harder after a painful Asian Games singles exit. The 19-year-old’s declaration came moments after Sunday’s straight-sets loss.

Madis fell to Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume, 1-6, 0-6, in the opening match on center court at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Nagoya. The tournament’s No. 7 seed, ranked world No. 119, dictated play from the first game and never let up.

Madis Vows to Train “Ten Times Harder”

Speaking to POC Media after the match, Madis admitted the lopsided scoreline exposed clear gaps in her physical conditioning. She said the loss would not derail her Asian Games campaign.

“I need to train hard pa po talaga. I mean hindi lang double time kundi ten times pa na training. I need to palakasin pa yung muscles, yung physical ko po,” Madis said. She added that building strength is now her top priority.

Despite the result, Madis said playing on center court against a seeded opponent was an opportunity she cherished, even calling the experience nerve-wracking. She said facing tougher, higher-ranked rivals is exactly what will sharpen her game.

“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 the center court and a seed seven player for Japan,” Madis shared. She hails from M’lang, North Cotabato.

Madis Eyes Doubles Redemption With Aludo

Madis credited her ongoing training block with the University of Hawai’i at Manoa for sharpening her game ahead of the Asian Games. She said the program has also benefited her women’s doubles partner, Stefi Aludo.

“We’ll do our best. Gagapangin namin tomorrow yung laro namin. Kakayanin po namin,” Madis said of the doubles assignment. She and Aludo will open that campaign against Indonesia’s Anjali Junarto and Meydiana Reinnamah.

Madis also thanked the Philippine tennis community for the chance to compete on the international stage. She singled out the Philippine Tennis Association, known as PHILTA, for its continued support.

“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 explained.

Team Philippines’ campaign at the 20th Asian Games is backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission. Madis and Aludo will look to keep the country’s medal hopes alive when their doubles match begins in Nagoya.