Filipina tennis star Alex Eala at the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open, January 28, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA – Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala will be playing for the country at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan next month.
Last month, Eala said playing in the Asian Games is part of her plan since it's an honor to represent the country in multi-sport events.
PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco confirmed Eala's participation on the sidelines of the 'Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate' press conference at Shangri-La Fort on Friday.
"We're very excited and it's confirmed that she is playing in the Asian Games. We're very grateful to Alex, she has a tight schedule," he said.
READ: 'Regalo namin sa kanya:' Tenement Court honors tennis ace Alex Eala
After the US Open, Tiangco said Eala will compete in the Singapore Open, a WTA 500 tournament, scheduled from September 21 to September 27.
"Right after Singapore, she has to fly to Nagoya. And there are other simultaneous events kasabay nung Asian Games. But she close to play for the flag. Kaya talagang very proud tayo and very happy na she can represent Philippines," Tiangco said.
The PHILTA official is optimistic Eala will represent the country well, coming off her historic gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December.
In 2018, Eala took home two bronze medals (women's singles and mixed doubles) in her debut in the continental showcase.
READ: Alex Eala all smiles at 'Stars of the Open'
"I'm positive she will do well, and she will do her best dito sa Asian Games. I just noticed din ganadong-ganado siya when she's playing for the flag. So we're very excited so let's support her," Tiangco said.
Eala recently achieved a new career-high ranking of 18 ahead of the US Open.
"We’re not surprised. It's just a matter of time. It's her work ethic eh, 'yung attitude niya. Whether she wins or lose, she always wants to improve her game. As we can see every year, every month, every game, she improves," Tiangco said.
"So it's only a matter of time that she'll reach Top 10 or even the top. I wouldn't be surprised with her work ethic, her attitude toward the game," he shared.
Joining Eala in Team Philippines are 2022 Asian Games bronze medalist Francis Casey "Niño" Alcantara and Shaira Rivera for mixed doubles, as well as Tenny Madis and Stefi Aludo.
READ: Alex Eala to face Janice Tjen in homecoming celebration hosted by Tatler
Alcantara and Eala teamed up for mixed doubles in the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China.
"We're not sending a team for singles and doubles. But there's a pair for mixed doubles because they performed well in the last Asian Games. So they're qualified to play," Tiangco said.
"We don't want to put too much pressure on them. We're here to support them. I'm sure they will do their best not just to compete but to play for the country. We'll see. We're very hopeful they will do well," he added.
The Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.