Alex Eala beams after winning the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico in September 2025, her first WTA 125 title. The Philippines is now in talks to host a WTA 125 tournament in Manila in 2026, which could give local fans the chance to see the Filipina star compete on home soil. – Photo Source : Alex Eala Instagram
The Philippines is in talks with the Women’s Tennis Association to stage the WTA 125 Manila Open in 2026, potentially bringing top-tier women’s tennis to Manila for the first time.
MANILA — The Philippines is in active discussions with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to stage a WTA 125 tournament in 2026, a move that would bring the country its first event at this level of professional women’s tennis. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) confirmed that negotiations are underway for the competition, with tentative dates set for January 26 to February 1, 2026.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the effort goes beyond hosting matches, emphasizing its role in inspiring young players and raising the country’s standing in the global tennis community.
The PSC and the Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA) are collaborating to meet WTA standards, including the requirement of at least three premium-quality courts. Options being considered include upgrading the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila and developing a new Philippine Tennis Center at New Clark City in Tarlac. Officials also want to make Rizal’s facilities more accessible to the public as part of wider grassroots development.
As part of preparations, the Philippines will host an ITF J30 junior tournament from late November to December 7, 2025, which will feature players aged 13 to 18 from across Asia. The event is seen as a stepping stone to the proposed Manila Open.
A brief history of the WTA
The Women’s Tennis Association was founded in 1973 by American tennis legend Billie Jean King, who championed equal opportunities and pay for women in the sport. That same year, the US Open became the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money to men and women.
Today, the WTA is the principal organizing body for women’s professional tennis, overseeing the global calendar, rankings, and tournaments from entry-level 125 events to elite WTA 1000 competitions. It represents more than 1,600 players from nearly 90 countries.
What is a WTA 125 tournament?
A WTA 125 tournament is a mid-level professional event just below the main WTA Tour categories of 250, 500, and 1000. Champions earn 125 ranking points, giving players a significant boost in global standings. These tournaments attract rising stars seeking to break into the higher tiers and experienced players looking for match play between larger events.
Unlike Grand Slams, which are anchored at historic venues, WTA 125s rotate across cities worldwide and are staged throughout the year. Recent hosts include Taipei, Suzhou, Ningbo, Paris, Angers, Bari, Colima, and San Luis Potosí.
Prize money is smaller compared to top-tier events, but the tournaments play an essential role in player development and exposure.
Local spotlight
A Manila-based WTA tournament would give fans the rare chance to watch Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the country’s top women’s player, compete at home.
Eala recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the Suzhou Open in China, underscoring her growing presence on the world stage.
Requirements for hosting
For the bid to move forward, organizers must secure funding, sponsorships, and broadcast coverage while ensuring venues meet WTA standards. Analysts say the lasting impact will depend not only on a successful launch in 2026 but also on how the event sustains momentum for Philippine tennis in the years ahead.
If realized, the WTA 125 Manila Open would mark a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports, combining international recognition with a platform for future champions to emerge.
This is a welcome development of Philippine sports in general.