MANILA, Philippines — Filipino WTA star Alex Eala said she loves to compete for the Philippines in continental events like the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan slated from September 27 to October 3.
That is why she's willing to skip the 1000 Beijing Open for the quadrennial Asiad.
"The Asian Games happens once every four years. I just found myself drawn to competing in that, aside from other stuff," said Eala when asked about her potential Asian Games stint following her US Open third-round exit Sunday.
The WTA has not granted Eala an exemption to compete at the Asiad as of writing, and if the Tour eventually decides to deny her one, she will face point penalties and fines if she pushes through with her plan.
That is on top of standing to lose potential ranking points and prize money by competing in a 1000-tier tournament like Beijing, which September 30 to October 11 schedule runs smack into the Asian Games tennis play.
While Eala faces penalties and loses those potential ranking points and money, winning the Asian Games will give her a direct Olympic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics this early.
World No. 18 Eala is a favorite to win the Asian women's title -- one she could not accomplish in the 2023 edition when she fell to eventual gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals to settle for bronze.
"I love playing and competing with the Philippine team. And in the SEA Games, the Asian Games, I've also done," said Eala who ruled the SEA Games last December in Thailand.
"I think it's a really fun environment, and I love being with the team, especially this last SEA Games in December. I had such a great time and I think they're really memories that stick with me."
Eala just wrapped her US Open campaign with a 5-7, 6-3, 5-7 third-round loss to Iva Jovic.
Before the Asian Games, Eala will compete at the Singapore Tennis Open set from September 21 to 27.
