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| Alex Eala is open to join the Asian Games, but her Singapore Tennis Open stint could ultimately decide her participation. BPI |
MAKATI—Alex Eala expressed openness about an Asian Games run this year amid a busy September awaiting her.
Speaking at a special press conference organized by BPI at its headquarters here on Tuesday, the world number 28 women's tennis star said that if schedule permits, she can represent the Philippines in the quadrennial event.
"Asian Games is in my plans," Eala said.
Expounding further, she added, "It's always an honor playing for the national team. I think it's different when you play in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, or in the Olympics. It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour, and I always enjoy especially when I have Pinoy teammates."
Whether Eala makes it to the Asian Games may depend on how far she will go in the Singapore Tennis Open.
As revealed on June 30, Eala was given a direct main draw invite to the said tournament, which has just been upgraded to the WTA 500 level.
The Singapore Tennis Open will run from Sept. 21-27, which means a possible schedule conflict if Eala gets a shot at winning it all.
The Asian Games tennis tournament in Nagoya will begin on Sept. 27, right on the day the STO will hold its final.
Eala, who won two bronze medals during the 2023 edition in China, may need to fly to Nagoya immediately if she plans to join the Asian Games, which means a lack of needed rest that could affect her bid for a gold medal.
However, the reigning Southeast Asian Games champion vowed that if she does make it to the Asian Games, she will not let the scheduling dilemmas distract her bid for the gold.
"I'm really excited and super motivated, and I'm going to give my best," Eala further said.
"You think I'm going for a first-round exit? No, I am going for the gold."
Eala's super September begins with the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, which will actually start on Aug. 31 (Philippine Time).
Even if she makes it to the final on Sept. 13 (Philippine Time), Eala will still have ample time to travel to Singapore for the STO.
Whether she also gets enough time to shift her attention to the Asian Games is a different story, though.
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