Alex Eala risks $10,000 WTA fine to play Asian Games as Indonesia’s Janice Tjen opts out

Alex Eala, the 21-year-old Philippine tennis player, is determined to compete at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan despite a possible $10,000 fine from the WTA. The tennis star, currently ranked No 18 worldwide, is expected to be a favorite to win gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 event. However, the WTA requires Eala to participate in the mandatory China Open, a 1,000-level Masters tournament held in Beijing at the same time as the Games.

The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) has applied for a waiver to play both events, but it remains uncertain if the request will be granted. If the WTA does not exempt Eala from the China Open, she will face a significant fine and a zero pointer that could negatively impact her world ranking. Eala's teammate, Janice Tjen, from Indonesia, has opted out of the Games to fulfill her WTA obligations.

After much contemplation, Tjen made the difficult decision to skip the Asian Games due to her commitment to play in the mandatory WTA 1000 event in Beijing. Tjen expressed her regret for the decision, stating that she had always enjoyed representing Indonesia and was proud of her achievements, including winning medals at the Asian Games and SEA Games.

The two players are expected to face each other in a special exhibition match in the Philippines in December, which is anticipated to sell out with approximately 55,000 spectators.