MANILA/HANOI (VnExpress/Vietnam News): World No 18 Alexandra Eala will represent the Philippines at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan, despite risking a financial fine and ranking penalties from the WTA for skipping the mandatory China Open.
The tennis events at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled from Sept 27 to Oct 3 at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center, which overlaps with the China Open in Beijing, a mandatory WTA 1000 event for eligible players like Eala.
The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) has formally requested an exemption from the WTA on her behalf but has not yet received a final decision, ABS-CBN reported.
If the governing body denies the request, Eala could face a fine and receive zero points for the China Open in her official ranking calculations. While her current accumulated points would not be deducted, a zero-point tournament result would occupy one of the mandatory slots used to calculate her global standing, which can affect her position.
"We have formally requested an exemption, and we respect the WTA's process. At the same time, Alex has made her decision to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, and we fully support her," PHILTA Secretary-General John Rey Tiangco said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino affirmed that the 21-year-old tennis star would travel to Nagoya regardless of the ruling.
"The WTA has its rules, and breaking the rules has penalties. But Alex will be in Nagoya for the flag and country," he said.
This decision aligns with the special bond Eala shares with Philippine sports.
During the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, she defeated Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the women's singles final, securing the Philippines' first gold medal in the event in 26 years. She also secured two bronze medals in the mixed doubles and women's team events during that regional competition.
Her professional success this season has further cemented her status as a sporting phenomenon in her home country. In August, she defeated American Jessica Pegula to win the Washington title, making history as the first Filipino player to claim a WTA Tour singles trophy.
President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated her and even hosted a formal reception at Malacañang Palace in her honour.
Her achievements have reportedly triggered a massive surge in demand for tennis lessons, court rentals and equipment across the Philippines.
Eala’s appeal also extends beyond her homeland, with Filipino expat communities frequently packing the stands during her matches in Washington, Toronto and New York.
At this year's US Open, thousands of fans arrived at Louis Armstrong Stadium waving the national flag of the Philippines and wearing jerseys with her name on them.
In a country where mainstream athletic attention has focused on basketball, boxing and billiards, the 21-year-old is helping tennis find its place.
Eala, as the top-seeded player, arrives in Nagoya looking to improve upon the two bronze medals she won at the previous Asian Games. She now has a great opportunity to secure a gold medal for the Philippines and could potentially qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if she meets the necessary ranking criteria.
Her commitment to the national team is contrast to the recent decision made by Indonesian player Janice Tjen. After the WTA denied her an exemption request, Tjen withdrew from the 2026 Asian Games and opted to compete in the China Open to avoid financial penalties and make sure that her professional career stays on path.
