Brief

Alex Eala avoids WTA sanction after choosing Asian Games over China Open

PHILTA says the WTA has not imposed any penalty on Eala after she opted for the Asian Games, an Olympic qualifier.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:37:16 GMT

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala will not face a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) penalty for skipping the mandatory China Open to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games, PHILTA Executive Director Tonnette Mendoza told a Senate Committee on Sports hearing on Oct. 9.

What happened

Eala chose to compete in the Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan, a recognized Olympic qualifying event, instead of the WTA 1000 China Open. PHILTA sought clarification from the WTA and requested a waiver for any sanctions.

What the reports add

Mendoza said the WTA asked whether Eala’s decision was voluntary and not government‑pressured. She noted the WTA’s rules target players who miss mandatory events for exhibitions, not for national team duties. The International Tennis Federation, now called World Tennis, reportedly expressed support for athletes prioritising country representation.

What was said

"If she made a decision on her own, meaning it was not under pressure from anybody in the government or the national federation, and if it is an Olympic qualifier for our country," Mendoza quoted the WTA’s questions. She added, "It’s silent on representing the country."

How it came about

Eala’s decision follows her bronze medal win at the Asian Games, her second consecutive podium finish, after a semi‑final loss to China’s Wang Xiyu, who secured gold and direct Olympic qualification.

Key facts

• Alex Eala will not be penalised by the WTA for missing the China Open (gulfnews.com)
• Eala chose to play at the 2026 Asian Games, an Olympic qualifying event (gulfnews.com)
• PHILTA asked the WTA for clarification and a waiver (gulfnews.com)
• The ITF/World Tennis expressed support for players representing their countries (gulfnews.com)
• Eala won bronze at the Asian Games, losing to Wang Xiyu in the semi‑finals (gulfnews.com)

Sources

• [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Filipino Tennis Star Alex Eala Wins Bronze at Asian Games Without WTA Sanctions”