🚨 “THE DUMBEST THING THE WTA COULD DO!” — Alex Eala Faces a Potential Fine Over Her Asian Games Decision as a Former Pro Launches a Brutal Call-Out, Leaving Fans Furious, Divided and Asking What Happens Next
Alex Eala’s firm decision to participate at the 2026 Asian Games may lead to the Filipino superstar getting fined by the WTA. American former ATP stars John Isner, Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey recently discussed Eala’s situation, with Johnson claiming that if the WTA was to fine her and also impose a zero-point penalty, it would be the women’s tennis governing body’s ‘dumbest’ move.
The 2026 Asian Games’ women’s tennis tournament will clash with the upcoming mandatory WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing. As a result, Eala’s Asian Games participation will make it impossible for her to play Beijing. As the WTA 1000 tournament is mandatory, it could very well lead to a hefty fine for the Filipino, as well as a 52-week long zero-point penalty.
Speaking about the situation on the Nothing Major podcast, Johnson urged Eala to go ahead with her Asian Games participation. The former World No. 21 also opined it would be a grave error on the WTA’s part if it goes on to penalize the Filipino star.
“She should play it. This is big. You kind of hear about it every few years. It’s big over there, but for Eala, 1000% she should play. The WTA, if they fine her, that’s the dumbest thing that they could do. Do not fine her. I know they’ve not made exceptions in the past for certain players, but there’s different rules for everyone. I hate to say it,” Johnson said.
Former No. 11 Querrey also suggested that a fine and a ranking-point deduction for Eala may motivate her to skip more tournaments scheduled to take place in this year’s Asian hard-court swing. According to Querrey, if this were to happen, it would come at a huge cost for the WTA as Eala is arguably the biggest Asian name right now in women’s tennis.
“She’s also like these stars. She’s one of the biggest, and has a lot of leverage in an individual sport. It’s like, ‘if you guys fine me, I’ll just skip more tournaments. Let’s see how that goes for you. I’ll skip the other tournaments in Asia’ where she’s going to be the biggest star,” Querrey added.
