Alex Eala stands as the standard-bearer of Philippine tennis around the world. Manila will host its first WTA tour-level event, the Philippine Women’s Open, on January 26 to 31, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Alex Eala / Instagram)
MANILA — The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has officially added Manila to its 2026 calendar with the launch of the Philippine Women’s Open, a WTA 125 tournament set for January 26–31, 2026. It marks the first time the Philippines will host a WTA tour-level event, placing the country on the global tennis map during a period of renewed expansion for the sport in Asia.
The WTA lists the event as a 32-player singles and 16-team doubles tournament with a $115,000 prize purse, making it one of the key early-season stops in the region.
PSC, PHILTA finalize preparations
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) will jointly stage the competition. PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said preparations include significant upgrades to the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, which is being reinforced to meet WTA standards. The government-run complex, which previously hosted Southeast Asian Games tennis events, will serve as the tournament’s initial venue.
Organizers also view the tournament as a bridge to long-term plans for a 10-hectare Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, a partnership between PHILTA and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The dedicated hub, now in development, is expected to support future international events and national training programs.
A possible homecoming for Eala
The Manila stop follows a breakout 2025 season for Alexandra “Alex” Eala, who became the first Filipina representing the Philippines to enter the WTA Top 50. Her rapid climb has fueled national excitement over the prospect of her competing in a home tournament.
However, Eala’s participation is not yet confirmed due to an overlap with the 2026 Australian Open, which runs from January 12 to February 1. A deep Melbourne campaign would place her in Australia during the Manila dates; a shorter run or strategic scheduling could allow her to appear at the inaugural event.
Filipino heritage in global tennis
The global game has seen standout athletes of Filipino lineage, most prominently Canada’s Leylah Annie Fernandez, a US Open finalist whose maternal family comes from Ilocos Norte and Leyte, yet Alex Eala remains the first Filipina carrying the Philippine flag to break into the WTA Top 50.”
Fernandez competes for Canada and does not represent the Philippines in international play.
Manila’s new role in regional tennis
By hosting its first WTA event, Manila joins a select Asian roster and strengthens the Philippines’ long-term bid to become a regular venue for international tennis. For local athletes and fans, the Philippine Women’s Open marks the start of a new era, bringing global competition closer to home and positioning the Philippines as an emerging hub in the international tennis circuit.
