Alexandra Eala likely to get fined for skipping the China Open for Asian Games as WTA called to give immunity: "Dumbest thing that they could do"

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 01:00

Alexandra Eala will decide to play the Asian Games instead of the China Open in a bid that could see her be fined and lose out on ranking and then be fined money.

Eala will not be able to play the China Open due to her commitment to try and win Asian Games gold for the Phillippines. WTA stars are required to play every Masters event on the calendar unless they are injured which often leads to faux withdrawals with people wondering if they're actually injured.

Eala could receive a fine from the tennis authorities as a result. She has asked for an exemption from the WTA Tour, but it was rejected which means that this sanction is likely to be implemented. One that John Isner, Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey believe could be a major mistake given the star power that she possesses.

They believe she should be given an exemption and shouldn't be fined for this. “1000% she should play [the Asian Games], said Johnson on Nothing Major. “If the WTA fine her, that is the dumbest thing that they could do. Do not fine her.

“I know that they have not made exceptions in the past for certain players, but there is different rules for everyone. I hate to say it, but there just is.”

Eala is likely to get fined.

Eala shouldn't be punished - Isner

Isner also agreed with Johnson that she shouldn't be punished. “I’m with you. They should waive the fine. Her ranking is going to dip by virtue of not playing.”

Querrey also agreed with his other co-hosts. “They also need stars and she is one of the biggest,” he added. “They have a lot of leverage going into an individual sport. If she goes ‘if you guys fine me, I will skip more tournaments’.

“Let’s see how it goes [if she says] I will skip the other tournaments in Asia, where she is going to be the biggest star.”

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Several players including Wang Xinyu have opted to play the China Open instead of the Asian Games which will not help Eala as she looks to dodge the fine.

She will now look to bring home a gold medal instead of playing in China. It will now be up to the powers that be whether they decide to still fine her for not turning up or whether they decide on a U-turn given the words of Johnson, Querrey and Isner.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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