Alex Eala will suit up for the Philippines at the Asian Games in Japan even if the Women’s Tennis Association does not grant a waiver allowing her to skip a mandatory tournament, the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) said.

PHILTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza said the Filipino tennis star remains committed to competing in the continental games despite the WTA’s pending response to the federation’s request for an exemption from possible penalties.

“Alex will definitely play at the Asian Games regardless of the WTA decision,” Mendoza said.

Eala is set to miss the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 event, as she prioritizes her Asian Games campaign. PHILTA had earlier appealed to the WTA to spare Eala from sanctions for representing the country.

Mendoza said the federation has not yet received a decision from the tour.

“We have not received any word,” Mendoza said.

She also cautioned against directly comparing Eala’s situation with that of Indonesian player Janice Tjen, who was reported to have been denied an exemption to participate in the Asian Games.

“We don't know the circumstances of Janice,” Mendoza said.

The 20th Asian Games will be held from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. The tennis competition is scheduled for Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 at the Nagoya City Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Aichi Prefecture.