Senate backs Eala’s Asiad call; seeks WTA exemption from China Open fines

THE Senate has thrown its full support behind top Filipino tennis star Alex Eala’s decision to prioritize national representation at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan over competing in the mandatory WTA 1000 China Open.

The 21‑year‑old, currently the highest‑ranked Filipina player in history at world No. 18, faces potential sanctions including lost ranking points and monetary fines for skipping the professional tournament — risks she accepted to chase gold and boost her bid for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Senator Bong Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, rallied behind the Philippine Tennis Association’s (PHILTA) request for a special exemption from the Women’s Tennis Association. “I laud and fully support Alex Eala’s decision to represent the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games. Alex had the opportunity to compete in the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament, but she chose instead to represent our country and compete for the flag even if there were possible fines and penalties,” Go stated on Monday. He emphasized that Eala’s choice reflects a commitment to national pride that merits consideration beyond standard tour rules.

Senator Go formally appealed to the WTA to recognize the exceptional circumstances of Eala’s case. “We respect and understand the rules and processes of the Women’s Tennis Association, but at the same time, I join PHILTA in respectfully appealing to the WTA to consider the exceptional circumstances of Alex’s case and grant her the requested exemption from any penalty or sanction,” he said. By choosing the Asiad, Eala will receive zero ranking points from the China Open and remains liable to sanctions unless the WTA grants relief — a decision now being watched closely as she pursues both regional glory and Olympic qualification.