Tennis veteran Niño Alcantara brings extra motivation to 2026 Asian Games

NAGOYA – Veteran Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara is representing the country once again,  but this time as the lone male representative for the Philippine tennis team at the 20th Asian Games. 

Alcantara clinched bronze in mixed doubles alongside Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. 

“I’m really happy to be part of the team, even though I’m the lone male representative this time. Of course, I wish some of my teammates could be here with me but I’m still very proud and excited to represent the country,” he told ABS-CBN News. 

But for the 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist, he’s carrying extra motivation following the birth of his son Francis Maverick last September 22. 

“My love for the game is still the same. I’ve never really lost it and I hope I never do. I’m also going to be a father in just a few weeks so that gives me some extra motivation. I really want my son to see me play and compete while I still can. Hopefully, he’ll be watching me out there and one day understand how much this game means to me,” he shared. 

Despite representing the country in various tournaments on the international stage, Alcantara prepared for the Asian Games the same way he does other competitions. 

Before the continental showcase, Alcantara recently competed in two ATP Challengers in Vietnam and ITF tournaments across Asia. 

“I’m approaching it like any other tournament. I know the Asian Games is a very prestigious event but in terms of my preparation and my approach nothing really changes. I’ll prepare the same, stay focused and just take it one match at a time,” he said. 

Alcantara will be competing in mixed doubles anew, this time with University of Western Alabama standout Shaira Rivera. 

Despite the new pairing, Alcantara is looking forward to competing alongside Rivera in the continental showcase. 

“I’m really excited. It’s something new for me because I haven’t really played with Shaira before, but I’ve known her for more than 10 years so we’re familiar with each other and I think we understand each other’s game,” he said. 

“I’ve been competing since January and have played around 20 weeks on tour this year so I feel like I’m ready. As for Shaira, she’s still in college in the US so I’m sure she’s getting quality training there as well,” Alcantara explained. 

Alcantara and Eala lead the Philippine tennis team which includes Rivera, up and coming players Tenny Madis and Stefi Aludo. 

Despite having a younger team, Alcantara is upbeat of the chances of the team to get on the Asiad podium.  

“Hopefully a gold! I like our chances but tennis is a very tough and tricky sport especially in doubles because you’re not just relying on yourself you also have to trust and rely on your partner. We’ll give 100% every single time we step on the court and hopefully that will be enough to bring home the gold,” the doubles specialist said. 

“As for Alex, she’s been killing it over the past few months so I think she’ll do just fine in the Games,” he added. 

With an Olympic ticket up for grabs in the men’s and women’s singles tennis events, Alcantara believes this is one of Eala’s motivations in competing at the Asian Games. 

“Yes, definitely! That’s one of the reasons she’s playing in the Asian Games. She really loves the team atmosphere, from what I remember from the last time we were together at the SEA Games in Bangkok last December. I think being part of the team and representing the country is something she really enjoys,” he said. 

The tennis event at the 20th Asian Games is set to begin on September 27 at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.