NAGOYA, Japan — Alex Eala is keeping her focus on winning a gold medal for the Philippines at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite the possibility of sanctions from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for missing the China Open.)
The 21-year-old Filipino tennis star advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej, 6-1, 6-0, on Monday.
Eala chose to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games instead of competing in the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, which overlaps with the continental competition.
“This is an Olympic event, so it is something I look forward to,” Eala said.
Winning the women’s singles title at the Asian Games could also help Eala secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Asian Games tennis competition runs through October 3, while the China Open is scheduled from September 30 to October 11.
Eala said she remains uncertain about the consequences of missing the WTA tournament but noted that the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) has requested an exemption on her behalf.
“I don’t know yet what the consequences will be. It’s still unclear,” Eala said. “We are working on it, and they have, as far as I know, taken the proper procedures in requesting an exemption.”
Reports have said Eala could face a financial penalty and ranking-related consequences if the WTA does not grant the exemption.
For now, Eala said she is concentrating on what she can control and producing her best tennis for the Philippines.
“I want to put up the best tennis that I possibly can,” she said.
Eala is scheduled to face Chinese Taipei’s Joanna Garland in the quarterfinals.
“The external factors are out of my control,” Eala said.
