Alex Eala hopes to make more history this season as she plans talks with the WTA
Alex Eala, one of tennis’ fastest-rising stars, is having an amazing 2026 season and could make even more history by winning national glory – though her journey won’t be easy.
Last month, Alex won her first WTA Tour singles title in Washington, a big 500-level event, beating Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the final. Then at the Canadian Open in Toronto, she reached the Round of 16 but lost 6-4, 6-0 to Belinda Bencic, who won Olympic gold in 2020. That tournament was eventually won by Iga Swiatek, who gave a surprise shout-out after her victory.
Now, Alex is heading to Cincinnati to prepare for what could be her big breakout at the US Open, one of the sport’s Grand Slams. The 21-year-old will start her WTA 1000 event against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, with the hardcourt season in full swing before the last Slam of the year.
While Alex isn’t the favorite to win the US Open, her wins over top 10 players like Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, and Iga Swiatek this year show she’s getting tougher and harder to beat. The US Open also holds special meaning, as Emma Raducanu made history there in 2021 by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam.
According to an exclusive report from the Daily Tribune, Alex is also planning her path to the Asian Games, where she aims to make history. Philta executive director Tonette Mendoza told the Tribune that Alex “really wants” to play in the Asian Games, something Alex has mentioned before in interviews.
The challenge is that the Asian Games (September 27 to October 3) clash with the China Open (September 30 to October 11), a mandatory WTA 1000 event. Mendoza said Philta will reach out to the WTA about this clash. Alex hasn’t confirmed her schedule yet, but Mendoza believes: “Whatever the WTA says, Alex will still play in the Asian Games.”
If she does, Alex could become the first Filipino to win the women’s singles gold at the Asian Games, bringing home a huge honor and securing a spot for the 2028 Olympics. She’d be skipping a chance at a big payday at the China Open, since WTA 1000 events pay about $1 million for the winner, while the Asian Games offers much less.
Missing the China Open might affect her ranking, but probably not by much. Currently ranked 20th in the world, a lower ranking could mean tougher opponents in future tournaments. Players can also get fined for skipping a mandatory WTA 1000 event.
At the last Asian Games in 2023, Alex won bronze, but this year she’s one of the favorites for gold and ready to go even further.