Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on the Philippine government to support Alex Eala as the country’s top tennis player prioritizes representing the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, over a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament in China.
During Monday’s Senate session, Tulfo urged the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and other concerned agencies to find a lawful way to assist Eala should she incur a reported US$10,000 fine for skipping the China Open, which runs concurrently with the Asian Games tennis competition.
“Kung pagmumultahin siya dahil pinili niyang kumatawan sa ating bayan, hindi ba nararapat lamang na magpaabot ng tulong o suporta ang gobyerno sa kanya?” Tulfo said in his manifestation.
The China Open in Beijing is scheduled from September 30 to October 11, while the Asian Games tennis competition is set for September 27 to October 2, forcing Eala to choose between a mandatory WTA event and her national-team commitment.
Eala has opted for the latter, continuing her commitment to the Philippine team that dates back to 2021.
The 21-year-old has never missed a tour of duty with the Philippines and is coming off a highly successful SEA Games campaign last December, where she won the women’s singles gold medal in Thailand.
She is now aiming to improve on her bronze-medal finish in the women’s singles event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Tulfo stressed that Eala should not have to bear the potential consequences of her decision alone.
“Hindi natin dapat ilagay si Alex sa sitwasyon na kailangan niyang mamili. Pinili niya po na maglaro para sa Pilipinas sa halip na para sa kanyang professional career,” he said.
“She should not have to carry that burden alone.”
Eala’s decision could affect her WTA ranking because top-ranked players are required to fulfill commitments to all four Grand Slam tournaments, six WTA 500 events, and all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments. Failure to meet mandatory-event requirements can result in previous results being treated as “zero pointers,” while monetary penalties may also be imposed.
The Philippine Tennis Association is seeking an exemption for Eala, citing her participation in the Asian Games as a member of the national team.
Tulfo said the government should explore ways to support Eala while ensuring that any assistance complies with existing rules.
(C) Office of Sen. Erwin Tulfo
“Kaya hinihikayat ko po ang Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, at iba pang concerned government agencies na humanap agad ng legal at maayos na paraan upang matulungan ang ating kampeyon na si Alex,” he said.
The senator also emphasized that the potential financial burden should be weighed against the significance of Eala representing the country.
“Ten thousand dollars may be a significant amount, but compared to the honor of having one of our best athletes represent our country, I believe it is a price worth paying for,” Tulfo said.
Eala has previously spoken about the importance she places on competing for the Philippines, particularly after enjoying her experience with the national team at the SEA Games.
“I love playing and competing with the Philippine team in, you know, the SEA Games and the Asian Games. I’ve also done that,” Eala said.
“I think it’s a really fun environment, and I love being with the team, especially this last SEA Games in December. I had such a great time, and I think they’re really memories that stick with me.”
For Eala, the rarity of the Asian Games also played a role in her decision.
“And, you know, the Asian Games happens once every four years, and, yeah, I just found myself drawn to competing in that, aside from other stuff,” she said.
Before heading to Nagoya, Eala will return to the WTA Tour at the Singapore Open, a WTA 500 tournament scheduled from September 21 to 26.
Tulfo hopes that the country can reciprocate that support as Eala prepares to trade the individual grind of the WTA Tour for another national-team campaign.
“Sometimes supporting our athletes does not require millions of pesos,” Tulfo said. “Sometimes, it simply means telling them: ‘We believe in you. We are behind you. Go represent the Philippines, Alex.’
“Alex has already done her part, Mr. President. She has trained. She has sacrificed. She has competed against the best in the world. And she has made us proud.”
The senator ended his appeal with a message for Eala and the rest of the Philippine delegation.
“Alex, kung ito ang iyong pinili, hindi ka nag-iisa. The Philippines should stand with you.”
