MORE high-ranking players, including Filipino pride Alex Eala, are expected to arrive in the country for the prestigious Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament set from January 26 to 31 at the newly renovated Tennis Center inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
However, participation of some players—including Eala—will depend on their results in the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam tournament running from January 12 to February 1.
“It just so happens that the WTA 125 is scheduled alongside the Australian Open first round of the main draw,” said local organizing committee member and Philippine Tennis Association board member Dyan Castellejo. “If Alex Eala or other players are eliminated early—huwag naman sana—they can come here. That’s why the WTA granted wildcard slots.”
Even if Eala does not make the main draw, organizers expect the Manila leg to be as exciting as ever, featuring several established and rising stars on the tour. The field is bannered by Paris Olympics semifinalist and world No. 69 Donna Vekic, world No. 57 Xinyu Wang, world No. 66 Solana Sierra of Argentina, and Uzbekistan’s Polina Kudermetova.
“It’s a strong field, and Filipino tennis fans will surely be excited to watch these world-class players in action,” added Castellejo, a former national player.
Meanwhile, organizers assured fans that ticket prices will be affordable as the country gears up to host its biggest international tennis tournament to date.
“WTA 125 Manila—we are ready!” declared Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), during the tournament’s media conference Tuesday at the Lawson Hotel in Pasay City.
“We are glad to partner with the Philippine Tennis Association. The PSC is the enabler of events,” Gregorio said. “You go to the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center and see hundreds of workers laboring into the wee hours of the morning. We mobilized not only the PSC but also the City of Manila and the DPWH. It’s a beautiful transformation.”
Gregorio stressed that the PSC had no second thoughts about extending financial support. “We support NSAs that understand and share the vision of the Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.
John Rey Tiangco, secretary general of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), said the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center is nearly ready.
“The fact that we’re already using the courts for a qualifying tournament among our top local players for the Philippine Women’s Open means the facility is almost complete,” said Tiangco, who is also the Navotas City mayor and a former national player. “With the PSC beside us, we’re confident everything will be finished on time.”
Tiangco emphasized that hosting the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open is a major step for the sport’s growth.
“Malaking bagay po ito. This is not just a one-time event—it’s an investment in Philippine tennis. We are building a new ecosystem that will allow our local players to compete against world-class opponents,” he said.
PHILTA has secured a three-year agreement with the WTA to host the WTA 125 tournament, Tiangco added.
Tickets are now available, according to PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza. Tickets are priced at ₱200 each, with free seating for qualifying matches on January 24 and 25.
For the main draw—from the round of 32 to the quarterfinals (January 26 to 29)—tickets will cost ₱1,000, also with free seating.
Tickets for the singles semifinals and doubles finals on January 30 are priced at ₱1,500 for the standard pass and ₱2,000 for the premium pass, which will also apply to the championship matches on January 31.
Junior players who competed in PHILTA-sanctioned tournaments last year will be admitted free of charge.
