Alex Eala praised for putting the Philippines ahead of WTA Tour after Wuhan Open exit

Alex Eala has been lauded for putting her country “ahead of other opportunities” after her shock early loss at the 2026 Wuhan Open. World No 19 Eala fell 6-4, 3-6, 3-6 to 217th-ranked Chinese qualifier Shi Han in the opening round at the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan. Eala’s defeat in Wuhan was her first match since she secured a bronze medal for the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The Filipina superstar was beaten in three sets by Wang Xiyu in the semi-finals of the Asian Games women’s singles event.