Will Alexandra Eala play Asian Games 2026?
(Courtesy : Wikimedia Commons)
Alexandra Eala is in career-best form
Alexandra Eala has confirmed she will represent the Philippines at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, turning down a mandatory WTA 1000 event to do it. The Philippine Tennis Association confirmed her participation on August 28, and PHILTA has asked the WTA for an exemption so she is not penalised for skipping the China Open, which runs from September 30 to October 11 in Beijing.
The 21-year-old, currently ranked a career-best world No. 18, goes to the Games in top form. She won her maiden WTA Tour singles title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington in August, beating Jessica Pegula of the USA 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the final after also defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Japan’s Naomi Osaka en route.
She also became the first Filipino to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles event in the Open Era at Wimbledon this year, beating defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland before losing to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Her path to gold has also gotten easier. Zheng, the defending Asian Games singles champion who beat Eala in the 2023 semi-final in Hangzhou, has withdrawn, along with Wang Xinyu.
Related: Asian Games 2026 – Full list of India’s contingent
What has Eala said about choosing the Asian Games over the China Open?
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Eala made her intentions clear back in July. “The Asian Games is in my plans,” she said during a media availability in Makati.
She elaborated further on why team competitions mean more to her than a regular tour stop. “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 said.
She also spoke about her motivation heading into the tournament. “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,” she said.
PHILTA secretary-general John Tiangco echoed her stance. “Alex herself has made it clear that representing the Philippines is an honour and that she is choosing to play for the flag,” Tiangco said.
Related: Asian Games 2026 – Event dates, venue and other details
Eala won bronze in singles and mixed doubles at the 2023 Asian Games. A singles gold in Aichi-Nagoya would also put her in contention for an International Tennis Federation place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Will Alexandra Eala play at the Asian Games 2026?
Yes, she will represent the Philippines in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, skipping the mandatory WTA 1000 China Open to do it.
Why does the China Open matter, and what is Eala giving up by skipping it?
It’s a WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing running September 30 to October 11, and by missing it, Eala gives up a shot at ranking points and prize money.
Has Alexandra Eala competed in the Asian Games before?
Yes, Alexandra Eala has competed in the Asian Games before, making her debut at the 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023), where she won bronze medals in both women’s singles and mixed doubles.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram