Alex Eala says Asian Games 'is in my plans'

Alex Eala will be looking to go for the gold medal as she declared her intention to play for the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Games set for September in Nagoya, Japan.

Eala revealed as much during an exclusive press conference on Tuesday in Makati.

"Asian Games is in my plans," Eala said.

Although her Asian Games participation hasn't been finalized, Eala stressed her excitement about once again bannering Philippine tennis in one of the continent's most prestigious sporting events.

In her Asian Games debut, Eala—now world No. 28 after achieving a new career-high mark on Monday—fell short of the title after losing to China's Zheng Qinwan in a grueling semifinals clash to settle for the bronze medal.

But a lot has changed since then.

In the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, Eala seized her first-ever gold medal in the regional biennial meet after beating Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the finals.

Eala has also soared by leaps and bounds on the global stage, winning a pair of WTA125 titles in the Guadalajara Open and the Birmingham Open. She also beat several Top 10 players in the Miami Open and most recently, at Wimbledon.

At Wimbledon, Eala made a historic run by becoming the first-ever Filipino to reach a fourth-round of a Grand Slam tournament.

READ MORE | Alex Eala's World Ranking in 2026: Updated week-by-week ranking after Wimbledon

She hopes to bring that same winning mentality if and when she competes in the Asian Games again.

"I think it’s different when you play in the Southeast Asian Games or the Asian Games or the Olympics. I think it’s different. It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour and I always enjoy when I have teammates, when I have that Pinoy teammates," Eala added.

"SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me. I had so much fun. I think I’m excited, I’m super motivated, and I’m gonna give it my best."

—JMB, GMA News