Alex Eala to lead Philippines tennis campaign at 2026 Asian Games

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, currently ranked world No. 18, is set to lead the Philippines' campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Eala enters the tournament as the top seed in the women’s singles event and has received a first-round bye. She is aiming to improve upon her bronze-medal finish from the 2022 Games.

Eala’s preparation follows a recent setback at the WTA Singapore Open, where she suffered a second-round upset against world No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova. To prioritize the Asian Games, Eala has reportedly accepted a WTA fine for skipping the mandatory China Open. This decision has drawn mixed reactions from tennis commentators regarding the precedent it sets for professional players representing their nations.

In addition to singles, Eala will compete in the women’s doubles alongside Shaira Hope Rivera. The Philippine delegation also includes players such as Tennielle Madis and Francis Casey Alcantara, who will compete in various doubles categories. The tennis competition is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 3 at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center.