Gov’t asked to help Eala pay WTA fine
A lawmaker said the government should help Alex Eala pay for the $10,000 fine that the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) may impose on her, after the Filipino tennis star chose to join the national team for the coming Asian Games instead of the China Open scheduled around the same time.
“If she is being fined because she chose to represent our people, isn’t it only right that the government extends its assistance or support to her?” Sen. Erwin Tulfo said in a privilege speech on Tuesday.
The WTA penalty, equivalent to about P620,000, “may be a significant amount,” Tulfo said. “But compared to the honor of having one of our best athletes represent our country, I believe it is a price worth paying for.”
Opponent drops out
Top-ranked members of the WTA are required to play in its tournaments. One member, Janice Tjen of Indonesia, the second best player in Southeast Asia after Eala, announced on Sept. 11 that she was skipping the Asiad after WTA denied a petition to let her play in the continental meet.
The Asian Games is being held in Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, while the WTA China Open will be in Beijing from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11.
The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) had asked WTA to exempt Eala so she could join the Asiad.
But in a statement, Philta executive director Tonette Mendoza said “Alex will definitely play at the Asian Games regardless of the WTA decision.”
Bronze in 2022
In his speech, Tulfo said: “We should not put Alex in a situation where she has to choose. She chose to play for the Philippines instead of her professional career. She should not have to carry that burden alone.”
Eala represented the Philippines in the 2022 Asiad, bringing home two bronze medals in the singles and mixed doubles events.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino lauded Eala’s decision to be on the national team.
“The WTA has its rules and breaking the rules has penalties,” he said. “But Alex will be in Nagoya, for flag and country.” —WITH REPORTS FROM AFP AND MARK GIONGCO
