Tennielle Madis, fresh from her medal-winning performance at the recent Southeast Asian Games, has been awarded a coveted wild card entry into the prestigious Philippine Women's Open. The tournament is set to serve off at the newly renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila from January 26 to 31, 2026.
SEA Games Medalist Joins Elite Field
Madis earned her place in the spotlight following a successful campaign in Thailand in December 2025. There, she captured a doubles bronze medal alongside partner Stefi Marithe Aludo and contributed to a team bronze for the Philippines. This achievement paved the way for her wild card invitation, allowing her to bypass the qualifying rounds and enter the main draw directly.
She will share the court with the country's top player, Alexandra Eala, who is projected to rise to a career-high world No. 49 ranking. Eala, however, will be coming straight from competing in the Australian Open main draw in Melbourne, which runs from January 18 to February 1.
Competitive Playoffs and Star-Studded Lineup
The final two wild card slots for the Philippine Open will be determined through a highly competitive playoff. Seven players are vying for these spots in matches scheduled from January 12 to 15. The contenders include Tiffany Nocos, Stefi Marithe Aludo, Kaye Ann Emana, Elizabeth Abarquez, Justine Hannah Maneja, Niña Angeline Alcala, and Joana Victoria Peña.
The tournament itself boasts a world-class entry list, headlined by Croatia's Donna Vecic, a former world No. 2 and silver medalist at the Paris Olympics. The qualifying rounds to fill out the main draw will be held on January 24 and 25.
Major Venue Upgrades for Premier Event
In preparation for hosting this significant international event, the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center has undergone major renovations. Key improvements include the conversion of Court 2 into a new Center Court with a capacity for up to 2,000 spectators. Matches will also be played on Courts 4 and 6, while the Dacudao covered court and Court 5 will be designated as practice courts.
The Philippine Women's Open represents a major moment for tennis in the country, designed to showcase local talent like Eala and Madis against a backdrop of global competition. The stage is now set for an exciting week of world-class tennis in Manila next January.
