Alexandra Eala handed boost for the Asian Games as her two biggest rivals for the gold medal withdraw

Alexandra Eala's pride in representing the Philippines is one of the driving factors that has helped her become such a top-ranked superstar.

After all, even before she had truly broken through, the support she garnered was unlike anything the sport had previously seen.

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It is therefore completely unsurprising that, whenever she gets the chance, she gives back to her community wholeheartedly.

Eala is playing an exhibition in the Philippines later this year during her off-season, and participated in the new WTA event in Manila earlier this year.

And now, despite the China Open being just around the corner, she has boldly decided against participating in this 1000-level tournament, instead travelling to Nagoya to compete in the Asian Games.

Alexandra Eala's big boost for the Asian Games

There are fears that Eala could receive a sanction from the WTA for this decision, but she will likely not care.

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National duty will seemingly always come first for her, and justifiably so.

What would make this China Open sacrifice feel totally worthwhile is if she could claim the Gold Medal when the Asian Games are over. After all, she managed to do so at the SEA Games last year.

Her chances of doing so have just been boosted too, with Qinwen Zheng and Janice Tjen, two of the biggest names who were set to take part, both having withdrawn.

When do the 2026 Asian Games begin?

The 2026 Asian Games will officially get underway on the 19th of September, when the opening ceremony will take place.

Alexandra Eala was actually meant to be the flag bearer for the Philippines, but had to turn it down due to alternative commitments in Singapore and her father's request for additional rest time.

The Singapore Open actually only begins on the 21st of September, and lasts a week if you go all the way.

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That works out well for the 21-year-old, given that tennis at the Asian Games only really gets underway on the 27th. The only worry is if she storms her way into the final.

It is a packed roster at this WTA 500 event, with stars like Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Amanda Anisimova having all already signed up.

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