Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala said she cannot wait to experience the “really fun environment” of the Asian Games after a battling defeat in the third round of the US Open.The rising 21-year-old will be favourite to win women’s singles gold when the Games begin in Japan on September 19.At the previous edition of the Games, in 2023 in China, Eala went home with bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles.Much has changed for Eala since, last month becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA singles crown and now ranked 18 in the world.Her groundbreaking exploits have made her a superstar back home.“I love playing and competing with the Philippines team,” Eala said after her agonising three-set loss to United States teenager Iva Jovic in New York on Saturday.China’s Zheng Qinwen will not defend the title she won in Hangzhou. Photo: Reuters