Alex Eala’s road to Asian Games—and what she’ll miss to represent PH

FILE–Alexandra Eala representing the Philippines. – SEA GAMES POOL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala’s decision to represent the Philippines at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 comes after the strongest two-month run of her career.

She reached the second week of Wimbledon, won her first WTA Tour title and climbed into the world’s top 20. She then chose the national team over one of the biggest tournaments on the women’s tour.

Here is how Eala reached that decision — and what she is giving up to play for the country.

Eala opened Wimbledon with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Renata Zarazua.

It was her first main-draw win at the All England Club and the beginning of her deepest run in a Grand Slam tournament.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates winning the second round women’s singles match against Maya Joint of Australia at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Thursday, July 2, 2026.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

After dropping the opening set, Eala rallied past Maya Joint, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.

The victory made her the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam singles tournament in the Open era.

“I really had to dig deep,” Eala said.

Eala defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, on Centre Court.

The victory sent Eala into the round of 16 and made her the first Filipino to reach the second week of a singles major in the Open era.

“It’s difficult to describe,” Eala said. “I’m in the second week of a Slam and it’s incredible for me.”

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines waves to the crowd after losing the women’s singles fourth round match against Jasmine Paolini of Italy at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 6, 2026.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Former finalist Jasmine Paolini stopped Eala, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, in the fourth round.

The loss ended the tournament, but Eala said had created a core memory with her appearance on tennis’ most hallowed ground.

“I just have to move forward and continue with my progress,” she said.

During a media availability in Makati, Eala made her national-team intention clear: “The Asian Games is in my plans,” she said.

While the statement showed that representing the Philippines was part of her schedule, there was a wrinkle: The China Open, a 1000 event that is required for top players.

Alex Eala of the Philippines kisses the championship trophy after winning the women’s singles match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP

Eala won five difficult matches to capture the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open in Washington. She defeated Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula.

Against Pegula in the final, Eala recovered from a set down to win, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

The title made her the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour singles championship and pushed her into the world’s top 20.

“I’m really looking forward to many more finals with you,” Eala told Pegula during the trophy ceremony.

Eala followed her Washington title with two wins in Toronto before Belinda Bencic ended her seven-match winning streak in the round of 16.

She then reached the third round in Cincinnati. Eala defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse before taking top-10 opponent Amanda Anisimova to three sets.

The results showed that Washington was no fluke.

FILE–Philippines’ Alexandra Eala celebrates after defeating Thailand’s M Sawangkaew in the women’s final at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

The Philippine Tennis Association confirmed that Eala would compete in the Asian Games 2026 despite its conflict with major WTA events.

“She chose to play for the flag,” PHILTA secretary-general John Rey Tiangco said.

The commitment means Eala will miss the China Open.

The China Open is a WTA 1000 tournament played on outdoor hard courts in Beijing.

The 2026 women’s tournament runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11. It has a 96-player singles draw and a total financial commitment of $9,415,725.

The champion can earn 1,000 ranking points.

Eala is not surrendering $9.4 million or 1,000 guaranteed points. She is giving up the opportunity to compete for a share of the prize fund and earn ranking points based on how far she might have advanced.

A place in one of the highest-level regular events on the WTA calendar.

A chance to collect ranking points and potentially improve her world ranking.

A chance to earn prize money during the Asian swing—although Eala has repeatedly said she doesn’t focus on money so as not to let it distract her focus on constantly improving.

FILE–Philippines’ Alexandra Eala poses with gold medals during medal ceremony for tennis the women’s final at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Eala won bronze medals in women’s singles and mixed doubles at the 2023 Asian Games.

Competing in Aichi-Nagoya gives her the chance to improve on those results.

The women’s singles champion can also earn an International Tennis Federation place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, subject to ranking, eligibility and national quota requirements.

So while the China Open offers money, ranking points and elite competition, the Asian Games 2026 offers Eala the chance to do what she loves: Bring glory to the country while earning a shot at an Olympic spot.