The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is standing firmly behind Alex Eala as she faces possible sanctions from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for choosing to represent her country in the 20th Asian Games in Japan than play in the China Open.

“This is for the country, and that is crystal clear in Alex’s mind and heart,” PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Eala, world No. 18 and the current craze of women’s professional tennis, has decided to play in the Asian Games and shoot for the coveted gold after bringing home a bronze medal from the Hangzhou Asiad in 2023.

While competing in WTA events remains a priority, the opportunity to give the Philippines its first Asian Games gold in tennis since Johnny Jose ruled the men’s singles in 1962 in Jakarta is also part of Eala’s dreams.

“That is why we admire and support her 100 percent. Alex is the epitome of a world-class Filipino athlete. She is someone we should all emulate. For the country, she will always fight,” Gregorio said.

The WTA, however, has announced that Eala faces a fine of $10,000 if she skips the star-studded China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 event for women and ATP 500 tournament for men.

Tennis competitions in the Asian Games fire off on 27 September with Eala as one of the heavy favorites while the China Open kicks off on 30 September with Jannik Sinner of Italy and Amanda Anisimova of the United States as the reigning champions.

Eala is now facing a monetary fine by not participating in the China Open. But her handlers have filed an appeal for exemption from the China Open and are hoping for the best so she could focus on her Asian Games campaign.

A report said Indonesia’s Janice Tjen of Indonesia, also a pre-tournament favorite, has pulled out of the Asian Games after the WTA denied her bid for an exemption from the China Open.

Gregorio said the government sports agency is heeding the call of Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Erwin Tulfo to support Eala and ensure a positive outcome.

“The PSC is in close coordination and communication with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino and Philta (Philippine Tennis Association) secretary general and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco. They have informed me that the official request (for exemption) has already been submitted to the WTA,” Gregorio added.

“Rest assured of the PSC’s all-out support. We will continue to assist Alex, Philta, and the POC in every way we can.”

The PSC has gotten in touch with Tulfo’s office and extended its appreciation of the senator’s “concern and support” for Eala, whose rise to tennis stardom over the past year or two has caught the fancy and admiration of Filipinos around the world.