The tennis events at ASIAD 2026 are scheduled from 27/9 to 3/10 at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Japan. This schedule clashes with the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 event for eligible players like Eala. The Philippines Tennis Federation (PHILTA) has requested an exemption from the WTA but has not yet received a final decision.

Should the request be denied, Eala could face financial penalties and receive no ranking points for the China Open. While her current points would not be directly deducted, a "0" point score from the China Open would occupy a slot in the mandatory event category used for ranking calculations, potentially affecting her overall standing.

"We have requested an exemption and respect the WTA's process", PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco stated. "Alex has decided to represent the Philippines at ASIAD, and we fully support her".

Eala serves during her third-round women's singles match against Iva Jovic at the US Open, held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on 5/9. *Photo: AP*

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino affirmed that Eala would travel to Nagoya regardless of the WTA's ruling. "The WTA has rules, and violating them will lead to penalties", he said. "But Alex will be in Nagoya, for the flag and country".

This choice aligns with Eala's special connection to Philippine sports. At the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, she defeated Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-1, 6-2 in the women's singles final, securing the Philippines' first gold medal in the event after a 26-year wait. Eala also earned two bronze medals in mixed doubles and the women's team event.

Her success on the WTA Tour this season has made Eala a phenomenon in her homeland. In August 2026, she beat Jessica Pegula to win the Washington title, becoming the first Filipina to claim a WTA Tour singles title. Following this, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated and hosted her at Malacanang Palace. The demand for tennis lessons, court rentals, and equipment in the Philippines has surged due to Eala's achievements.

Eala's appeal extends beyond her home country. Filipino communities often fill the stands during her matches in Washington, Toronto, and New York. At this year's US Open, many fans carried national flags and wore Eala-branded shirts to Louis Armstrong Stadium to cheer her on. In a nation where attention largely focused on basketball, boxing, and billiards, Eala is helping tennis find a new place in the Philippines.

Eala's notable achievements in 2026.

Eala previously won two bronze medals at the previous Asian Games in women's singles and mixed doubles. This time, she heads to Nagoya as the top seed. She has the opportunity to bring home a significant tennis gold medal for the Philippines and could secure a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if she meets the ranking requirements.

Eala's decision contrasts with that of Janice Tjen. The Indonesian player withdrew from ASIAD 2026 after the WTA denied her an exemption, choosing instead to participate in the China Open to avoid penalties and protect her professional career path.

Vy Anh