Alex Eala says that representing the Philippines is among her driving forces, a mindset that has made her one of the country's most beloved sports icons of her generation. Susan Mullane-Imagn Images Alex Eala will look to bring more success to the Philippines by competing in the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
Fresh off a breakthrough grass-court campaign that saw her become the first Filipina in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam, at Wimbledon, the 21-year-old has confirmed that the Asian Games remains part of her plans later this year, provided it does not clash with her commitments on the WTA Tour
"Asian Games is in my plans," Eala said during a media opportunity hosted by the Bank of the Philippine Islands on Tuesday.
"It's always an honor. I think it's different when you play in the Asian and Southeast Asian Games; it's different [because] it brings a different vibe than when I competed on the WTA Tour."
The timing works in Eala's favor, with the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from Sep. 19 to Oct. 4, days after the conclusion of the US Open and potentially a start in the Singapore Open.