Alex Eala shrugs off weather conditions, possible WTA fine as she chases Asian Games gold - GMA Network
Despite the rain, a shuffled schedule, and even the possibility of a WTA fine, Alex Eala remains focused on chasing Asian Games gold.
The world No. 18 Filipina tennis star is seeking to win the gold medal that eluded her in the previous edition, where she settled for bronze after a semifinals loss to eventual champion Zheng Qinwen of China.
"I think losing in general is a disappointing experience. Of course, I want the gold. Everyone wants the gold. I want it. I worked hard, I'm here, and I'm here to compete," Eala told Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media via JP Soriano.
"Like every tournament, I want to win. But you know, losses are possible and they happen often so if it comes to that, I have to accept it and try to be better."
Eala immediately backed up those ambitions with a rousing start.
She crushed Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand with a 6-1, 6-0 blowout in the Round of 16 to enter the quarterfinals and move a win away from an assured medal.
She will now take on Chinese Taipei's highest-ranked player in Joanna Garland, who has been impressive so far after taking down Martaa Chogsomjav of Mongolia and Mandegar Farzami of Iran in identical sweep victories.
Eala, the top seed in the field, stressed that she remains focused solely on the matches despite the external factors surrounding her campaign.
Ealaβs match against the Thai foe was pushed back to a later time and moved to a different court after heavy downpour left the original court conditions unplayable.
"It's great to be back with the team, it's great to represent the Philippines. I think I performed pretty well, of course the conditions are not ideal but I guess it's our job to adapt and it's something not in our control," Eala added.
"It adds some adversities but that was for everybody."
Eala is also facing a possible WTA fine for skipping the mandatory WTA1000 China Open to represent the Philippines in the Asian Games, where a gold medal also qualifies her to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
She shared that she has yet to receive word from the WTA whether the appeal for her exemption has been approved.
"I am not aware of the outcome yet. We have not been enlightened. The federation and the Philippine tennis leaders and I have been, you know, planning and they've taken, as far as I know, all the correct procedures in requesting an exemption," she said.
"And this is an Olympic event so it's also something I look forward to and something I prioritize. We'll see."
