Alex Eala's Asian Games participation in talks with WTA, says PHILTA

Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala’s participation in the Asian Games is being discussed with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), according to the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), as the Filipina ace is expected to skip the WTA 1000 China Open in favor of the continental tournament.

The world No. 18 Eala is not part of the player list for the China Open in Beijing, which will coincide with the Asian Games in Japan later this month.

“We have formally informed the WTA that Alex will be representing the Philippines at the Asian Games and have requested an exemption so she will not be penalized for missing a WTA 1000 event," PHILTA secretary-general and Navotas City Mayor John Tiangco told GMA News.

"Alex herself has made it clear that representing the Philippines is an honor and that she is choosing to play for the flag. We fully support that decision and are doing everything we can to ensure that choosing to represent her country does not come at the expense of her standing on the WTA Tour.

"We are proud of Alex—not only for what she continues to achieve in tennis, but for choosing to carry the Philippine flag on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages," he added.

PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza also shared the same sentiment, saying that there is no information yet regarding a possible penalty, if there is one.

“Wala pa kaming nare-receive from WTA tungkol sa penalty or kung may penalty,” PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza told GMA News.

Reports that Eala may be penalized for skipping the China Open have surfaced.

Eala, however, said she is looking forward to playing for the flag at the Asian Games.

“I love playing and competing with the Philippine team. In the SEA Games, the Asian Games, I've also done [that],” Eala said.

“I think it's a really fun environment, and I love being with the team, especially this last SEA Games in December. I had such a great time. I think they're really memories that stick with me. And the Asian Games happen once every four years. I just found myself drawn to competing in that, aside from other stuff.”

Prior to the Asian Games, however, Eala will first play at the Singapore Tennis Open.

Eala earlier ended her US Open run after falling to Iva Jovic, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

—JKC, GMA News