The first-ever WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is right around the corner and will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines. Here are some reasons why you should be excited to watch this historic event for Philippine sports.
1. A Way to Kickstart More WTA Events in the Country
Even before the breakout season of the Philippines’ pride, Alex Eala, in 2025, tennis already had a strong following in the country.
With a prestigious tennis event now coming to Manila, longtime fans will finally have the chance to watch their international idols up close, while also giving the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) an opportunity to return to the Philippines.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said in December 2025 that the penultimate goal of hosting the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is to pave the way for an even bigger WTA tournament—a WTA 250 event, perhaps?—in the near future.
For a WTA 250 Philippine Open to become a reality, a successful WTA 125 event must come first. With that in mind, the 2026 WTA 125 Philippine Open is an important first step toward creating more opportunities for Philippine tennis.
2. Familiar Names to Take Center Court at Philippine Women’s Open
2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic is expected to be one of the stars the Manila crowd will be eager to see when the main draw begins on January 26.
The 29-year-old Croatian is not only known for her impressive Olympic campaign, but also as the opponent Alex Eala defeated at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Round of 32.
Filipino tennis fans are also familiar with Lulu Sun and Wang Xinyu, both of whom have crossed paths with the Philippines’ tennis sensation. World No. 86 Sun once ended Eala’s campaign in the semifinals of the WTA 125 Jingshan Open, while No. 57 Wang recently eliminated her in the semifinals of the ASB Classic.
With several of Eala’s past opponents in the field, fans can expect the same level of elite tennis they have previously displayed to be showcased here in the Philippines.
3. A Brand New Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
Since the announcement on November 27 that the Philippines had been awarded the right to host a WTA 125 event, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has undergone a complete renovation.
Both the tennis courts and the seating areas have been upgraded to provide fans with the best possible viewing experience. In addition, the roads used by players, guests, and spectators have also been improved.
Overall, the venue, which is an integral part of Philippine sports history, is being revamped to make it more suitable for hosting international sporting competitions.
4. A Chance to See Alex Eala on Her True Home Court (?)
Perhaps the biggest reason fans should be excited about this upcoming event is that, for the first time ever, Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala has a chance to play on her true home court.
However, her appearance is not yet guaranteed, as Eala’s participation in the WTA 2026 Philippine Women’s Open still depends on how deep she advances in the Australian Open.
Whether or not Filipinos ultimately get the chance to watch their superstar compete in front of her home crowd, one thing is certain: a once-in-a-lifetime event will take place on January 24, and no one should miss
