Alexandra Eala enters Asian Games after rivals Qinwen Zheng and Janice Tjen withdraw

Alexandra Eala has opted to skip the 1000-level China Open to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. Her path to a potential gold medal improved following the withdrawals of Qinwen Zheng and Janice Tjen from the event. The Asian Games begin with an opening ceremony on September 19, with tennis competition scheduled to start on September 27. Eala previously declined the role of flag bearer for the Philippines to focus on her tennis schedule, which includes potential participation in the Singapore Open starting September 21. While there are suggestions that the WTA could sanction her for missing the China Open, she remains focused on representing her country. Eala successfully secured a gold medal at the SEA Games last year and aims to replicate that performance on the larger Asian Games stage.

• 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Alexandra Eala handed boost for the Asian Games as her two biggest rivals for the gold medal withdraw