The Philippines is set to make tennis history as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) officially adds the Philippine Women’s Open to its 2026 global calendar. This milestone marks the first time Manila will host a WTA 125 event, positioning the country on the international tennis map and opening new opportunities for Filipino athletes.
A Major Milestone for Philippine Tennis
The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open will run from January 26 to 31, 2026, featuring hard-court action with a 32-player singles draw and 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize commitment of $115,000, the event is expected to draw top-tier competitors from around the world, while also giving local talent the chance to shine on home soil.
The tournament’s addition to the WTA calendar signals growing confidence in the Philippines’ capability to stage world-class sporting events. For the first time, Filipino fans will witness elite women's tennis at this scale without leaving the country.
Alex Eala Expected to Lead Local Contenders
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Patrick Gregorio, speaking at the sidelines of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, shared optimism that Filipina tennis star Alex Eala will compete.
However, he noted that Eala might only miss the event for a significant reason—if she advances deep into the 2026 Australian Open, which runs from January 12 to February 1, 2026, overlapping with the Philippine Women’s Open.
Eala’s potential participation is seen as a major draw, with fans eager to see the young star perform on home ground should her schedule allow.
PSC and PHILTA Gear Up for Hosting Duties
The PSC confirmed the development on Wednesday through a Facebook post, announcing that Gregorio recently led a coordination meeting with government agencies and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA). Preparations are now underway to ensure smooth logistics, venue readiness, and international-standard hosting.
The collaboration underscores a unified effort to elevate Philippine tennis and inspire the next generation of athletes. With the country set to welcome the global tennis community in 2026, the Philippine Women’s Open is poised to become a landmark event in the nation’s sporting history.
