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Philippine Tennis Association release statement thanking Alex Eala for prioritising her country over the WTA Tour

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) has issued a public statement praising Alex Eala for prioritizing her national team commitment over a mandatory WTA Tour event. Despite facing potential sanctions, the 21-year-old chose to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games instead of competing at the China Open, a decision that has now earned her gratitude from PHILTA.

The organization’s secretary general, John Rey Tiangco, highlighted Eala’s impact on Philippine tennis, crediting her with elevating the country’s profile on the global stage through her career milestones, including a WTA title and a ranking of world No. 18.

Tiangco also noted the Philippines’ upcoming 2027 WTA 250 tournament, a significant upgrade from this year’s 125-level event, which was relocated due to scheduling conflicts. While Eala’s recent form has dipped—she lost in the opening round of the US Open and again to unranked Han Shi after winning bronze at the Asian Games—her dedication to her country has resonated deeply with PHILTA, which called her actions ‘inspirational’ for future generations of Filipino athletes.

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