Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has assured full support to the Filipina athlete.
In a statement last Monday, September 14, the Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA) gave an update regarding the situation of Filipina tennis star Alex Eala.
As previously reported, she is facing a possible fine as she is choosing to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and will skip the mandatory WTA 1000 event in Beijing, China, which will happen concurrent to that.
According to PhilTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza in a statement, the world no. 18 will represent the country at the regional games, despite the waiver request they have sent, which specifically asked for the non-imposition of the said fine worth more than PHP600,000, to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) still awaiting a response.
“Alex will definitely play at the Asian Games regardless of the WTA decision,” Mendoza said.
Although, shebreiterated that the tour has yet to respond to their request and noted, “We have not received any word.”
Speaking on behalf of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), its Chairman Patrick Gregorio said that they are in close coordination and communication with the PhilTA and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino regarding the official request submitted to the WTA.
“Rest assured of the PSC’s all-out support. We will continue to assist Alex, PHILTA, and the POC in every way we can,” Gregorio said.
The official also emphasized: “Para sa bayan ito. Malinaw ito sa isip at puso ni Alex. That is why we admire and support her 100%. Alex is the epitome of a world-class Filipino athlete-atin po itong tularan. Para sa bayan, laging lalaban.”
Alex is part of the small delegation of athletes playing in tennis for the Philippines at the Asiad.
Part of the squad are veteran Francis Casey Alcantara, Shaira Hope Rivera, Tennielle Madis, and Stefi Marithe Aludo, the PhilTA disclosed.
Eala and Madis will compete in Women’s Singles, while Alex will be teaming up with Shaira Hope and Tennielle Madis partnering with Stefi in the Women’s Doubles events.
In the Mixed Doubles, Rivera and Alcantara will be representing the Philippines.
“PHILTA is fielding a strong and competitive team for the Asian Games, led by Alex Eala alongside some of the country’s best tennis players,” said PHILTA Secretary General and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco in a prior statement. “We are going there not just to compete, but to contend. We believe in this team, and we know they will fight for every point and carry the Philippine flag with pride.”
The team is under the guidance of Team Coach Denise Dy, with Sandro Viaene traveling with Eala as her coach. Coach Bobie Angelo who was BJK Cup Team Coach is also a member of the coaching staff.
The 20th Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4. As for the tennis tournament, it will take place from September 27 to October 3 at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Aichi Prefecture.
