Eala looking forward to another memorable stint with Team Philippines, this time in Asian Games

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala hits a return to Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova during their women’s singles second round tennis match on day five of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2026. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

Alex Eala is taking a positive outlook after getting the ax at the US Open following her defeat to good friend Iva Jovic in the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

As she has always done this year, particularly during a successful summer run in the North American hardcourt swing, the Filipino tennis sensation is looking forward to things that she needs to do instead of wallowing in defeat.

And why not? She has the Asian Games coming and she gets to fight for the country in a way that’s different from her battles on the WTA Tour.

“I love playing and competing with the Philippines team,” Eala said after her agonizing three-set loss to American teenager Jovic in New York on Sunday (Manila time).

“That felt like a marathon and I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match,” Jovic said of the three-hour match. “But it’s really worth it for this feeling. I’m usually not one that shows that many emotions, but this one really meant a lot to me. It’s everything to have another match here at the US Open.”

In a way, Eala has been competing for the Philippines on the women’s tour. Wherever she goes, a wall of passionate supporters follows her, waving Filipino flags.

“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words. It’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” Eala said. “[P]laying on Arthur Ashe and feeling the support and being in those environments and learning these lessons and fighting and doing what I love … I’m really happy. I’m really lucky to have these opportunities, to have these people support me, and to be working hard, to be able to work hard, and to be able to live this life how I am living it.”

The difference is that in the Asian Games, her opponents will have the same kind of flag-waving support as well. It’s going to be a pure battle for the country, with no individual prize money at stake.

The rising 21-year-old will be the favorite to win women’s singles gold when the Games begin in Japan on Sept. 19, with so many of the top guns not competing.

China’s Zheng Qinwen won Asian Games singles gold three years ago on home turf but will not defend her title in Aichi-Nagoya. Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who will be in action at the China Open in Beijing, will also not be involved.

At the previous edition of the Games, in 2023 in China, Eala went home with bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles.

Much has changed for Eala since, last month becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA singles crown and now ranked 18 in the world.

Her groundbreaking exploits have made her a superstar back home.

And defending national pride at the continental Olympics will amplify her popularity.

Eala has been a regular at the Southeast Asian Games, winning singles gold last year, and she 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.”

“I think they are really memories that stick with me.”

Eala will miss Beijing knowing that gold at the Asian Games will seal an automatic berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Eala is set to play at the Singapore Open on Sept. 21 to 27, with the Asian Games women’s singles starting the same day that Singapore ends.

“The Asian Games happens once every four years and I find myself drawn to competing in that,” the world No. 18 said.—WITH A REPORT FROM AFP INQ