The Philippine Sports Commission is standing firmly behind Alex Eala as the Filipina tennis superstar faces possible sanctions from the Women’s Tennis Association for choosing to represent the Philippines in the 20th Asian Games in Japan instead of playing in the China Open.
“Para sa bayan ito at malinaw ito sa isip at puso ni Alex,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
Eala, the world No. 18 and one of the biggest stars in women’s tennis, has opted to compete in the Asian Games and go for the coveted gold medal after bringing home a bronze from the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad.
While competing in WTA events remains a priority, the opportunity to give the Philippines its first Asian Games gold in tennis since Johnny Jose ruled the men’s singles in 1962 in Jakarta is also part of Eala’s dreams.
“That is why we admire and support her 100 percent. Alex is the epitome of a world-class Filipino athlete. Atin po itong tularan. Para sa bayan, laging lalaban,” added Gregorio.
The WTA, however, has announced that Eala faces a $10,000 fine if she skips the star-studded China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 event for women and an ATP 500 tournament for men.
Tennis competitions in the Asian Games begin on September 27, with Eala one of the heavy favorites for the women’s singles title. The China Open, meanwhile, kicks off on September 30, with Jannik Sinner of Italy and Amanda Anisimova of the United States as the reigning champions.
Eala is now facing a potential monetary penalty for not participating in the China Open, but her handlers have filed an appeal seeking an exemption from the tournament and are hoping for a favorable decision that would allow her to focus on her Asian Games campaign.
A report said Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, also considered a pre-tournament favorite, has pulled out of the Asian Games after the WTA denied her request for an exemption from the China Open.
Gregorio said the government sports agency is heeding the call of Senators Bong Go and Erwin Tulfo to support Eala and ensure a positive outcome.
“The PSC is in close coordination and communication with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino and PHILTA (Philippine Tennis Association) secretary-general and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco. They have informed me that the official request (for exemption) has already been submitted to the WTA,” added Gregorio.
“Rest assured of the PSC’s all-out support. We will continue to assist Alex, PHILTA, and the POC in every way we can,” he said.
The PSC has also gotten in touch with Tulfo’s office and expressed its appreciation for the senator’s “concern and support” for Eala, whose rise to tennis stardom over the past year or two has drawn the admiration of Filipinos around the world.
The PSC likewise assured Go, chairman of the Senate committee on sports and a staunch supporter of Filipino athletes across all sports, that it is coordinating closely with PHILTA and the POC as Eala’s appeal before the WTA is “undergoing the proper procedure.”
“We pray she is granted consideration despite the consequences prescribed in standard rules. Alex Eala’s heart and love for the country is golden,” Gregorio added.
“I join the Philippine Tennis Association in respectfully appealing to the WTA to consider the exceptional circumstances of Alex’s case and grant her the requested exemption from any penalty or sanction,” said Go in his manifestation on Monday.
“The Asian Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and forms part of the Olympic movement. Our athletes compete in these Games not merely as individuals, but as representatives of their respective countries. Sa palagay ko po, hindi dapat maparusahan ang isang atleta dahil pinili niyang katawanin ang ating bandila at bansa,” Go said.
“We appreciate Senator Bong Go’s support for Alex and PHILTA’s appeal to the WTA,” Tiangco said. “Alex has made her decision to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, and we fully support her.”
“We hope the WTA recognizes the exceptional circumstance of an athlete choosing to compete for her country. Representing the flag should be supported and celebrated,” he added.
“Kung pagmumultahin siya dahil pinili niyang kumatawan sa ating bayan, hindi ba nararapat lamang na magpaabot ng tulong o suporta ang gobyerno sa kanya? 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 in his manifestation on Monday.
“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 added.
“Para sa bayan ito,” Gregorio stressed.
