PHILTA says no word yet from WTA on Alex Eala’s possible penalty for skipping China Open

MANILA – The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) said that there is no word yet from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on the possible sanctions on Alex Eala for skipping the China Open to play at the Asian Games.  

Eala clinched bronze in women’s singles tennis at the continental showcase last month, instead of competing at the China Open in Beijing, a WTA 1000 tournament.  

Earlier, senators raised concern over the possible monetary fine and effect on her ranking, calling on the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and PHILTA to appeal on her behalf.

PHILTA formally requested an exemption on Eala’s behalf, but fully supported the tennis ace’s decision to compete for the country, given the Asiad was also an Olympic qualifier.

In a Senate sports committee hearing on Thursday, PHILTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza said they have not yet heard from WTA following their request for exemption.

“From the beginning we asked Alex if she was willing to join. And she made a decision on her own that she wanted to represent the country. So we asked the WTA if they could waive any of the penalties that they impose on her,” Mendoza told senators when asked for an update on possible penalties on Eala.

“So the WTA just asked us a few questions if she made the decision on her own, meaning it was not under any pressure from anybody in the government or the national federation. And if it is an Olympic qualifier for our country. To which we said yes she made the decision on her own and it’s an Olympic qualifier. And then they just never got back to us,” she added.

Based on PHILTA’s reading and understanding of WTA rules, Mendoza believes a player should not be penalized for choosing to compete for their country.

“Ngayon, reading the rules kasi of the WTA, the penalties and whatever points you miss during a mandatory tournament is really designed for players who omit these tournaments because they want to play in an exhibition. So it’s silent on representing the country,” she said.

“World Tennis, the ITF [International Tennis Federation], I met with them last week and they were very supportive of players representing their country and skipping a mandatory tournament,” Mendoza shared.

Given the tough decision Eala had to make could also be faced by other athletes across the world, the PHILTA official said the WTA will implement new rules on similar situations.

“Late last week also, the WTA just passed new rules for the following year. Which I think will help all players wanting to represent their country,” Mendoza said.

“Thank you po sa gobyerno because it really went out na they, you know the government was opposing it. You know I think really na-pressure everybody na they cannot now impose a fan on a person who wants to represent the country,” she pointed out.

Last September 28, Eala said she has not been made aware of the outcome of PHILTA’s request for an exemption.

But the Filipina tennis ace has made it clear she has no regrets choosing to play at the Asian Games instead of the China Open.

Up next for Eala is the Wuhan Open set from October 12 to 18 in Hubei province, China.