Alexandra Eala is choosing country over tour. The 21-year-old will skip the mandatory 2026 China Open in Beijing to compete for the Philippines at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan — a decision that could cost Alex a $10,000 WTA fine and ranking points.
Alex Eala Plans to Skip 2026 China Open
To avoid the penalty, the Philippine Tennis Association applied for a waiver from the WTA. But with no ruling yet, the federation isn't waiting. "Alex will definitely play at the Asian Games regardless of the WTA decision," executive director Tonette Mendoza said.
Eala, currently ranked No. 18, enters the continental tournament as the top seed in women's singles and doubles. She earned two bronze medals at the 2023 Asian Games and capped a strong 2026 season with her first WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open.
Filipino fans have packed the stands for Eala at recent Grand Slams, and she's made a point to acknowledge them after every match.
"They're so passionate and so loving and definitely make me feel loved," Eala said after her second-round win at this year's US Open. "They make me feel at home."
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino backed Eala's decision.
"Alex will be in Nagoya," he said. "For flag and country."
But not every player is making the same call. Indonesia's Janice Tjen, ranked 35th, withdrew from the Asian Games to prioritize the WTA schedule after her bid for exemption failed. The split decisions show how the scheduling overlap between the China Open and the Games is squeezing top Asian players.
