Philippine Tennis Association release statement as Alex Eala risks fine for playing the Asian Games

Alex Eala could be fined $10,000 for skipping the WTA 1000 event in China to attend the 2026 Asian Games.

The 21-year-old sensation will represent her country in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, looking to become the first Filipina women's singles gold medalist.

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But to do so, Eala will skip the WTA 1000 China Open, risking ranking and financial penalties.

The Philippine Tennis Association has now released a statement regarding Eala's Asian Games participation.

Philippine Tennis Association confirm they have 'formally requested' exemption for Alex Eala to play Asian Games

As reported by 'Al Jazeera', several top officials within the Filipino sporting sphere have shared their thoughts on Eala and the WTA Tour's penalties.

"We have formally requested an exemption, and we respect the WTA's process. At the same time, Alex [Eala] has made her decision to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, and we fully support her," said Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco on Tuesday.

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Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino confirmed Eala's participation regardless of any punishment in a separate statement.

"The WTA has its rules, and breaking the rules has penalties. But Alex will be in Nagoya for flag and country," he said.

Other WTA players requested exemptions to attend the Asian Games without punishment, but were unsuccessful. Eala's former doubles partner, Janice Tjen, wasn't awarded an exemption and subsequently withdrew from the Asian Games.

The Filipina won't follow suit, even if the WTA Tour penalises her. Eala could be fined $10,000 for skipping the China Open to play in Nagoya. Her ranking may also suffer, as she will earn zero points for the China Open, which could replace the points she earned at another WTA event this year.

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But that punishment is worth it for Eala, as she bids to make Filipina tennis history. No Filipina has won the women's singles title at the Asian Games since the event began in 1958.

Every Asian Games women's singles tennis champion

Every Asian Games women's singles tennis champion

Desideria Ampon won silver for the Philippines 58 years ago, but no woman has won gold. Eala can change that in 2026! She has already won several medals for her country, although this would be her best yet.

Alex Eala has won eight medals for the Philippines

Eala has played three tournaments for her country: The 2021 Southeast Asian Games (Hanoi, Vietnam), the 2022 Asian Games (Hangzhou, China), and the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (Nonthaburi, Thailand).

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She won medals at all three events.

Alex Eala at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games

Women's singles – Bronze

Mixed doubles – Bronze

Women's team – Bronze

Alex Eala at the 2022 Asian Games

Women's singles – Bronze

Mixed doubles – Bronze

Alex Eala at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games

Women's singles – Gold

Mixed doubles – Bronze

Women's team – Bronze

Eala won her first gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, defeating Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the singles final. She will be keen to add another gold medal to her collection when she competes in a stronger field at this year's Asian Games.

The 2026 Asian Games tennis event is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 27. Before then, Eala will attend the Singapore Tennis Open, which starts on Monday, September 21.

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