NAGOYA, Japan — Alexandra “Alex” Eala is prioritizing representing the Philippines at the Asian Games over the WTA Tour for the moment — even if that means risking a fine from the women’s tour.
Eala had to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing — a mandatory WTA 1000 event — to compete at the Asian Games. She could be fined $10,000.
“It was a decision I didn’t take lightly,” Eala told SNTV after winning her second-round match at the Asian Games. “Of course, it’s difficult to miss out on a 1000, especially Beijing, where I’ve heard so many great things about the tournament and I have yet to go. But I know there will be many chances to go back, and I’m really excited to be here, to represent my country and to compete.”
The 18th-ranked Eala beat Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand, 6-1, 6-0, on Monday.
Eala took bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles (with partner Francis Alcantara) at the 2023 Asian Games and is a favorite for gold this time.
“I’m as eager as anybody and maybe even a little more,” she said. “I have a lot of will to compete, a lot of will to win.”
Eala upset defending champion Iga Swiatek on Center Court in the third round of Wimbledon this year and then earned her first WTA Tour title in Washington.
She reached the third round of the US Open.
Eala next faces Joanna Garland of Taiwan in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Nagoya mayor sayssorry for Asian Gamesinconveniences’
Nagoya’s mayor apologized to athletes on Wednesday for “inconveniences” at the Asian Games in the Japanese city following a string of complaints.
The continent’s biggest sporting event has been dogged by problems including a shortage of beds and issues with transport.
There are over 17,000 athletes and officials, more than the Olympics, and countries have accused local organizers of mismanagement.
“We must offer our apologies to the athletes and others affected by these inconveniences,” said Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, who is also acting chairman of the local organizing committee.
“We must sincerely reflect on the mishandling that occurred,” he added.
“There were human errors and a lack of communication with the national teams.
“We are responding based on what has happened.”
Unlike past Games, there is no athletes’ village in a bid to save money, with participants instead sleeping in temporary wooden units, on a cruise ship and in hotels.
Some teams have complained about the temporary cabins, even saying the beds are too short.
Early in the Games, local organizers apologized to South Korea after the North Korean national anthem was played by mistake.
There have been issues with buses for athletes not running when they should, not turning up at all or going to the wrong venues.
Some athletes were also stranded for hours at the airport when they landed in Nagoya for the start of the Games on Sept. 19.
The Games, which are taking place in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture, end on Sunday.
