NAGOYA, Japan — Philippine tennis phenom Alex Eala is prioritizing national duty over her individual professional tour standing, opting to compete in the Asian Games despite facing potential financial penalties for skipping a mandatory Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event.
The 18th-ranked Eala was forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing—a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament—to suit up for the national team. The decision leaves her at risk of receiving a $10,000 fine from the women’s tour.
“It was a decision I didn’t take lightly,” Eala told SNTV following her second-round victory. “Of course it’s difficult to miss out on a 1000, especially Beijing, where I’ve heard so many great things about the tournament and I have yet to go. But I know there will be many chances to go back and I’m really excited to be here, to represent my country and to compete.”
Eala made quick work of Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej on Monday, September 28, securing a dominant 6-1, 6-0 victory.
Having previously captured bronze medals in both singles and mixed doubles alongside Francis Alcantara at the 2023 Asian Games, she enters this year’s tournament as a strong contender for the gold medal.
“I’m as eager as anybody and maybe even a little more,” she stated. “I have a lot of will to compete, a lot of will to win.”
Eala’s current Asian Games bid follows a landmark season that featured a high-profile upset over defending champion Iga Swiatek on Centre Court during the third round of Wimbledon, her first WTA Tour title in Washington, and a third-round appearance at the U.S. Open.
She advances to face Taiwan’s Joanna Garland in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 30.