Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala for choosing to represent the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games despite the possibility of sanctions from the Women’s Tennis Association, describing her decision as an act of patriotism and commitment to the country.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, manifested his support for Eala on Monday, September 14, as he called attention to the dilemma faced by the 21-year-old Filipina star, who opted to carry the Philippine flag in Aichi-Nagoya instead of competing in the WTA 1000 China Open.
“I laud and fully support Alex Eala’s decision to represent the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games. Alex had the opportunity to compete in the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament, but she chose instead to represent our country and compete for the flag. Kahit na may posibleng fines at penalties, pinili po niya na i-representa ang ating bansa sa Asian Games,” Go said in his manifestation.
Eala is currently ranked World No. 18 in singles, according to the WTA. Her ranking automatically qualifies her for the China Open, which is classified as a mandatory WTA 1000 event.
The scheduling conflict is direct. Tennis competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled from September 27 to October 3, while the China Open in Beijing begins September 30. The Philippine Tennis Association has been communicating with the WTA and seeking an exemption that would allow Eala to compete for the Philippines without being penalized.
Under the WTA’s 2026 rules, players aged 18 and above who qualify for a WTA 1000 mandatory tournament are required to participate, and failure to play can result in a zero ranking-point result that counts toward their WTA singles ranking. Separate WTA rules also restrict participation in non-WTA competitions during the same week as a WTA tournament unless a waiver is granted. For a player ranked from No. 11 to No. 20, a violation of the non-WTA event rule can carry a US$10,000 fine.
The possible sanctions remain just that—possible—as PHILTA awaits the WTA’s determination on Eala’s request for an exemption.
A similar issue has already affected another Asian player. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen announced that the WTA had denied her request for an exemption to compete in the Asian Games, prompting her to withdraw from the continental meet and prioritize the mandatory WTA tournament in Beijing. As of September 13, PHILTA and Eala’s camp had not publicly announced a final decision from the WTA on the Filipina’s request.
According to Go, Eala deserves recognition for being willing to accept the professional risks associated with her decision.
“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,” he said.
“We admire Alex for choosing to represent the Philippines despite the demands of her professional schedule. Her decision reflects the kind of patriotism and commitment to country that all Filipinos should emulate. Isa po siyang inspirasyon hindi lamang sa court kundi maging sa pagiging Pilipino,” Go added.
Eala herself has spoken about her attachment to national team competition, saying that she enjoys playing with the Philippine team and values the memories created in tournaments that come only occasionally. She previously won bronze medals in women’s singles and mixed doubles at the Hangzhou Asian Games and will return to the continental meet as one of the Philippines’ leading medal hopes.
Go nevertheless emphasized respect for the WTA’s rules and processes and framed his position as an appeal rather than a confrontation with the international tour.
“We understand and respect the rules and processes of the Women’s Tennis Association. But at the same time, 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,” he said.
Go said Eala’s case also raises a larger question for Philippine sports as more Filipino athletes build successful professional careers while remaining willing to answer the call of the national team.
For the senator, professional success and service to the national team should be supported through a system that gives Filipino athletes every reasonable opportunity to compete for the flag without placing their careers at unnecessary risk.
During the plenary discussion, Go said he is studying the filing of a bill that would strengthen the ability of eligible Filipino athletes to train and compete for the national team when professional league schedules, club commitments, or international tour rules create obstacles to representing the country.
