Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is eyeing a historic gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games as the Philippines seeks its first tennis title in the continental competition since 1962.
The 21-year-old said the Aichi-Nagoya Games remain part of her plans, although her participation has yet to be finalized because of her demanding Women’s Tennis Association schedule.
“If everything falls into place, the Asian Games is in my plans. It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour and I always, always enjoy it, especially when I have teammates, when I have Filipino teammates,” Eala said during a press conference.
Eala would arrive as one of the Philippines’ strongest medal contenders following the best stretch of her professional career. She climbed to a career-high world No. 28 after reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon, the deepest run by a Filipino singles player at the tournament in the Open Era.
Her grass-court campaign also included a straight-sets victory over former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Berlin.
Eala has already delivered two Asian Games medals for the country. She won bronze in women’s singles and mixed doubles with Francis Casey Alcantara at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou.
She later captured the women’s singles title at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, strengthening her record when competing under the Philippine flag.
“The SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me. I had so much fun. I’m really excited, I’m super motivated and I’m going to give it my best,” Eala said.
The Philippines last won an Asian Games tennis gold when Johnny Jose captured the men’s singles crown in Jakarta in 1962. Four years earlier, Raymundo Deyro won the men’s singles title and partnered with Felicisimo Ampon for the doubles championship in Tokyo.
Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco said Eala remains likely to compete, but no final commitment has been made.
“There’s a big chance she could play but nothing is final yet. We’re excited for that,” Tiangco said.
The 20th Asian Games will run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan.
