The Philippines is looking to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament, with discussions underway for the event to be held early next year.
The plan was raised in a meeting between Navotas Mayor and Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio on September 29. If plans materialize, the event could be held from January 26 to February 1, 2026.
Also being discussed is the possible public opening of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, a move that officials said would expand access to the sport.
‘This partnership with the PSC paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,’ Tiangco said. ‘We are pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and the ITF J30, exploring the opening of Rizal Memorial to the public, and continuing plans for the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City.’ Gregorio added that staging a WTA event would give Filipino athletes a chance to test themselves against top players while helping inspire the next generation.
The timing comes as Filipino tennis star Alex Eala continues to climb the world rankings, with organizers hoping to create opportunities for her and other local players to compete on home soil.
The Philippines is already confirmed to host the International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 event from late November to December 7, 2025, featuring rising juniors aged 13 to 18 from Asia and beyond.
Officials said the proposed WTA event would mark a breakthrough moment for Philippine tennis, combining grassroots development, international hosting, and sports tourism.