Photo via Yahoo Sports

Why Alex Eala is now expected to avoid WTA punishment despite skipping Beijing to play the Asian Games

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala has avoided a potential $10,000 WTA fine after competing at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya instead of the mandatory China Open. Eala secured a bronze medal in singles, defeating Patcharin Cheapchandej and Joanna Garland before falling to eventual champion Wang Xiyu in the semifinals.

She also reached the second round of doubles with partner Shaira Rivera. The WTA reportedly waived penalties after confirming Eala’s participation was voluntary and aligned with Olympic qualification efforts, as clarified by Philippine Tennis Association executive Tonette Mendoza.

With the controversy resolved, Eala now turns her focus to the Wuhan Open, where she could make history as the first WTA 1000 title winner of her career. The absence of top players like Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff due to injury or fatigue further opens the door for her to challenge for the title after her breakthrough WTA win in Washington earlier this year.

Up nextTennis· 2h ago

Andy Roddick has a ‘simple’ solution for those who want to remove runner-up speeches at Grand Slams