Alex Eala eyes no less than gold if Asian Games plans push through

MANILA, Philippines – If things go according to plan, expect Alex Eala to represent the country in the Asian Games to be hosted in Nagoya, Japan, later this year.

Eala on Tuesday, July 14, confirmed the possibility of seeing action in the continental showpiece, where she is touted as one of the Philippines’ top medal bets following her rise to the world top 30.

“Asian Games is in my plans,” Eala said in a press conference organized by her sponsor, Bank of the Philippine Islands, at its head office in Makati.

Eala contributed a pair of bronzes to the Philippines’ haul of 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 12 bronzes in the 2022 edition held in Hangzhou, China.

She earned bronze in the women’s singles after a close loss to eventual champion Zheng Qinwen of China in the semifinals and then claimed another one in the mixed doubles together with partner Francis Casey Alcantara.

This time, expectations are higher for Eala after she made great strides over the last year and a half, beating top-10 opponents and Grand Slam champions, winning titles, and making waves on tennis’ biggest stages.

She is coming off a historic run to the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships, where she dethroned former world No. 1 and six-time major winner Iga Swiatek of Poland.

Then in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday, July 13, the 21-year-old climbed to a new career-high ranking of No. 28.

For Eala, donning the national colors in multi-sports events has proven to be a breath of fresh air, particularly after her superb campaign in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand which saw her become the first Filipina to capture the women’s singles crown in over two decades.

“It’s always an honor. I think it’s different when you play in the Southeast Asian Games or in the Asian Games or in the Olympics, I think it’s different. It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour and I always, always enjoy, especially when I have teammates,” said Eala.

“SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me, I had so much fun. I’m really excited, I’m super motivated. I’m going to give it my best.”

And if her Asian Games plans push through, Eala is gunning for no less than gold.

The Asian Games, to be held from September 19 to October 4, will run smack into several WTA Tour events, including the WTA 500 Singapore Tennis Open, WTA 250 Korea Open, and WTA 1000 China Open.

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