Alex Eala might face tough consequences after making a big decision for the Philippines.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala faces a tough choice just days after her US Open exit, and it might cost her money.
Alex made history as the first Filipina to win a WTA Tour singles title when she won the Washington Open in August. But at the US Open, she only made it to the third round before losing to America’s Iva Jovic.
She won’t be away from tennis for long, though. Alex is set to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games in Japan. While she’s surely excited to play for her country, this could cause some problems with the WTA.
The Asian Games happen at the same time as the China Open, a WTA 1000 event that players ranked like Alex must attend. The Philippines Tennis Association (Philta) has asked for an exemption, but it’s not clear if the WTA will allow her to skip the China Open.
If the WTA says no, Alex might have to pay a $10,000 fine and won’t get any ranking points, which could hurt her world ranking.
On the bright side, winning gold at the Asian Games will secure her a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, ranked No. 36, already decided to skip the Asian Games because she didn’t get an exemption to miss the China Open. She shared on social media that it was a hard choice but she couldn’t compete in both.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino praised Alex for choosing to play for the country, even with the risk of penalties. He said, “Alex is giving back to her country and inspiring Filipinos everywhere. The WTA has rules and breaking them has penalties, but Alex will proudly represent the Philippines in Nagoya.”