How to Watch Alex Eala’s Asian Games Debut: Schedule, Broadcast, and Streaming Details

Alexandra Eala, the Filipino tennis star, quickly moved on from her recent loss in Singapore to face a new challenge at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. Just days after a three-set defeat by Tatiana Prozorova at the Singapore Open, she is set to begin her Asian Games campaign on Monday, September 28, against Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej in the women's singles Round of 16.

Eala enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed and holds the highest WTA ranking in the women’s singles draw at No. 18. She received a bye in the first round, while Cheapchandej fought through her opening match with a swift 6-1, 6-1 win over Pakistan’s Mahin Aftab Qureshi.

Match Timing and Order of Play

The match between Eala and Cheapchandej is scheduled for Centre Court on Monday, September 28. The court action starts at 9 a.m. Philippine time with a men’s singles match between Japan’s Hayato Matsuoka and Hong Kong’s Kairan Thompson. Following that, a women’s doubles match featuring Japan versus Nepal will take place.

Eala and Cheapchandej will play as the third match on Centre Court, meaning their start time depends on how long the earlier matches last. Fans are encouraged to check the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 results website for live updates on the order of play.

Where to Watch Alex Eala’s Match

Fans in the Philippines can watch Eala’s Asian Games matches live through several platforms. Cignal, the official Philippine broadcaster for the Games, invested approximately Php 1 million (about $16,000) to bring its own cameras and digital equipment to the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center. This extra effort was necessary since tennis was not included among the sports receiving a guaranteed live feed from the host broadcaster.

Broadcast options include One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, and Pilipinas Live. Additional coverage is available via RPTV and the One Sports YouTube channel.

Head-to-Head and Rankings

Eala already has an advantage over Cheapchandej, having beaten the Thai player 6-3, 6-4 during their only previous meeting at the 2022 ITF W25 Chiang Rai event in Thailand, which Eala eventually won.

• Alex Eala: Ranked No. 18, age 18
• Patcharin Cheapchandej: Ranked No. 510, age 31
• Cheapchandej's achievements: 13 ITF singles titles, career-high ranking No. 356

Eala’s recent loss at the Singapore Open came after a grueling match that lasted over three hours, showing her determination to bounce back in Nagoya.

The Stakes Beyond the Medal

The Asian Games offer more than just medals for Eala. Winning gold could secure her a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics under the International Tennis Federation’s qualification rules. The singles champions at the Asian Games earn an ITF Place if they rank within the world’s Top 500 and their country hasn’t already filled its Olympic singles quota.

Since Eala is currently ranked No. 18, she comfortably meets the ranking requirement. The 2026 Asian Games marks the first time these ITF Places will be awarded for the Olympics.

A Tough Choice: Asian Games Over Mandatory WTA Event

Eala chose to compete in Nagoya instead of attending the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament. This decision carries the risk of penalties, including a potential $10,000 fine or losing ranking points for skipping a required event. The Philippine Tennis Association has requested an exemption on her behalf, but no final decision has been announced.

“You know, the Asian Games happens once every four years,” Eala explained. “I just found myself drawn to compete in that over other stuff.”

Looking Ahead

Eala is no stranger to success at the Asian Games, having earned bronze medals in women's singles and mixed doubles at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou. Now as the top seed and highest-ranked player in the singles draw, she aims to improve on those results. Her journey begins Monday against a familiar opponent with a lot on the line — not just for a medal, but potentially a ticket to the Olympics.