Alexandra Eala has chosen country over the WTA Tour, but the decision could come at a significant cost.
The world No. 18 is set to skip the mandatory China Open in Beijing so she can represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Under WTA rules, missing a mandatory WTA 1000 event without an approved exemption can result in a zero ranking-point penalty and a fine of up to $10,000. The Philippine Tennis Association has requested an exemption, but the WTA has yet to make a final decision.
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Former ATP Stars Warn WTA Against Punishing Alexandra Eala
The possibility of Eala being fined has already drawn strong criticism from former ATP players John Isner, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson.
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Johnson made his feelings clear.
“1000% she should play. If the WTA fine her, that is the dumbest thing that they could do. Do not fine her.”
Isner agreed with his former rival, arguing that Eala will already take a ranking hit by missing Beijing.
“They should waive the fine. Her ranking is going to dip by virtue of not playing.”
Querrey also pointed to Eala’s growing importance to the WTA, particularly in Asia.
“They also need stars and she is one of the biggest.”
The trio’s criticism comes as Eala prepares to represent the Philippines at an event that takes place only once every four years. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen faced a similar situation but withdrew from the Asian Games after failing to secure an exemption from the WTA.
Philippines Firm on Eala’s Asian Games Decision
Eala’s national federation has backed her decision and formally asked the WTA to waive any penalty. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino has gone a step further, making it clear that the potential sanction will not change the country’s plans.
“The WTA has its rules and breaking the rules has penalties. But Alex will be in Nagoya, for flag and country,” Tolentino said.
Eala is currently competing at the Singapore Open before heading to Japan for the Asian Games. She is expected to compete in Nagoya regardless of the WTA’s eventual decision.
For now, the sanction remains a possibility rather than a confirmed punishment. But with former ATP stars urging the WTA to reconsider and Philippine officials standing firmly behind Eala, her decision to represent her country has become one of the more unusual conflicts between national duty and the demands of the professional tennis calendar.
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