Alex Eala is moving on from the US Open and setting her sights on the 2026 Asian Games. Here’s what’s next for the Filipina tennis star.
Alex Eala’s US Open journey has come to an end, falling to one of her closest friends, Iva Jovic, in a thrilling three-set battle. Jovic took the opening set, but Eala refused to go quietly. The Filipina fought back fiercely in the second and pushed the third deep, extending the match before ultimately falling short. In the aftermath, footage of Eala walking alone across the hard court quickly went viral, with fans sharing in the heartbreak and disappointment of the moment. It was a difficult ending to what had been a promising US Open campaign, but it’s hardly the end of Eala’s story. She has plenty more opportunities to prove herself on the sport’s biggest stages; with the US Open now behind her, the question becomes: what will Alex Eala do next this September 2026, and in the months to follow? The 2026 Asian Games is a big part of the answer.
READ ALSO: Alex Eala Is Off To A Strong Start At The 2026 US Open
What’s Next For Alex Eala This September 2026?
After her loss, Eala addressed the media and excitedly shared what comes next: the Asian Games. Later this month, she’ll once again represent the Philippines at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, this time with a gold medal in her sights. More than just another title, the women’s singles champion will earn an ITF qualification place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Yet that goal comes with a sacrifice. Eala will skip the WTA 1000 China Open, choosing to play for the Philippines instead. She’ll also miss the Wuhan Open during the Asian swing. Because she didn’t play last year’s China Open, however, she has no ranking points to defend from the tournament, meaning she won’t lose previously earned points by sitting it out.
Still, the decision has sparked a conversation around whether Eala could be penalized by the WTA for missing a mandatory event. The possibility has received mixed reactions, with many questioning why choosing to represent one’s country at the “Olympics of Asia” should come with punishment. For Eala, though, the choice seems clear: this time, she’s playing for the flag.
Photography by Martin Romero, courtesy of Alex Eala
Frequently Asked Questions
Alex Eala’s US Open journey ended after she lost to her close friend, Iva Jovic, in a thrilling three-set match.
Alex Eala will represent the Philippines at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where she will compete for a gold medal.
Alex Eala is skipping the WTA 1000 China Open to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games.
Yes. The women’s singles champion at the 2026 Asian Games will earn an ITF qualification place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Potentially. PHILTA has requested an exemption from the WTA, but the WTA has not yet announced whether Eala will face a penalty for missing the tournament.
