Alex Eala eyeing more history this season as talks planned with WTA

Alex Eala, one of tennis’ fastest rising stars, can add another piece of history to her incredible 2026 season by achieving national glory - though her path there isn't completely straightforward.

Eala won her first WTA Tour singles title in Washington last month, a 500 event, prevailing 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 against Jessica Pegula in the final.

At the Canadian Open in Toronto, she lost 6-4, 6-0 to Switzerland’s 2020 Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16.

That tournament was won by Iga Swiatek, who made a surprise call-out after her victory.

Eala, meanwhile, is moving onto Cincinnati ahead of what is shaping up to be a breakout US Open tournament at Grand Slam level.

The 21-year-old will face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her opening match at the WTA 1000 event, with the hardcourt season now well underway ahead of the year’s final Slam.

Eala is by no means favourite to win the US Open, however, her record against Top 10 opponents in 2026 puts her in strong stead. The Filipina is beginning to look unbeatable on her day, with victories over the likes of Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek in recent weeks.

The US Open was the tournament where a similarly hyped youngster in Emma Raducanu made history in 2021, when the Brit became the first player, male or female, in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier.

Alex Eala 'to play Asian Games' as WTA talks planned - Philta director

According to an exclusive report from the Daily Tribune, Eala's path to the Asian Games event is being mapped out as she looks to make history at the event.

Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) executive director Tonette Mendoza told the Tribune that Eala 'really wants' to play in the Asian Games - something the 21-year-old has stated in previous interviews.

Mendoza says the organisation will contact the WTA in regards to a clash with the China Open, which is assigned as a mandatory WTA 1000 event.

The two tournaments overlap: 30 September to 11 October in Beijing on the WTA Tour, and 27 September to 3 October for the Asian Games.

Eala has not yet confirmed her schedule for that time period.

“We are still waiting for the WTA’s answer. But regardless of their response, Alex will still play in the Asian Games,” Mendoza claimed.

Should she enter, the 21-year-old will be looking to become the first player from the Philippines to win the women's singles event at the Asian Games and bring Gold back to her home country, and qualify for the 2028 Olympics.

She would pass up another opportunity to secure a jaw-dropping payday during the WTA hardcourt season if she doesn't play in the China Open.

WTA 1000 events pay out at roughly $1 million per title victory, while the Asian Games offers a prize pot roughly 30x smaller.

The loss in points is also likely to affect her path to Grand Slam success in the States, as she is currently ranked 20th in the world; lower rankings typically pave the way for tougher draws.

Players can also receive fines for opting out of a WTA 1000 event.

Last time out at the Asian Games in 2023, Eala bagged the bronze medal but is undoubtedly in stronger form, as the gold medal favourite, in 2026.