Philippines Makes Tennis History by Hosting First WTA 125 Tournament in Manila
Under the unpredictable Manila skies, where blowers hummed to dry courts and towels were at the ready for sudden drizzles, history was being written. From January 26 to 31, 2026, the Philippines transformed from a basketball-loving nation into a host of world-class women's tennis, as the WTA 125 circuit arrived at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. This event proved that sports growth is not confined to traditional powerhouses, with deuce-filled rallies and rapid baseline-to-volley exchanges keeping spectators on the edge of their seats, culminating in roaring applause as match points concluded.
A Diverse Field of Tennis Talent
The tournament featured a 32-player singles draw and 16 doubles teams competing on outdoor hard courts, bringing together a mix of Grand Slam veterans, rising stars, and players rebuilding their rankings. Notable participants included Croatia's Donna Vekić, Colombia's Camila Osorio, tournament top seed Germany's Tatjana Maria, and the homegrown Filipina talent, Alex Eala. This gathering of international and local players highlighted the Philippines' emerging role in the global tennis scene.
An Intimate Courtside Experience
Unlike mainstream sports where constant cheering is encouraged, tennis requires quiet during rallies, creating a unique atmosphere where even minimal movements feel almost prohibited. Spectators entering mid-game were held at entrances until points concluded, adding to the tension. Manila's center court offered an intimate setting, with low bleachers at court level and fewer seats than typical international venues. The experience was enhanced by food booths, clean facilities, and an interactive fan zone in a separate covered court for brand activations and merchandise, making it a memorable week for first-time hosts and attendees alike.
Alex Eala: Inspiring a New Generation
In person was Alex Eala, the Filipina who has reshaped the country's tennis landscape both locally and internationally. World No. 4 Coco Gauff acknowledged this impact in an interview, stating, "I'd like to thank Alex for bringing a new demographic to the sport. I really appreciate it. I think it's great." Although Osorio emerged as champion against Vekić, Eala was undeniably the event's highlight, reaching the quarterfinals as a wildcard before losing to Osorio in one of the week's most attended matches. Her presence on home soil served as tangible inspiration for young fans and ball kids, showing that dreams of international stages are within reach.
Philippine Tennis on the Global Stage
As World Tennis Day is celebrated on the first Monday of March, this milestone marks more than just tennis action—it signifies history in the making. In a country where local tennis matches rarely stream on television, clubs operate quietly, and athletes receive limited support, hosting a WTA event is a step toward changing that narrative. Filipino fans no longer need to travel abroad to witness professional matches, and athletes gain crucial exposure that could springboard their careers globally. Conversations have shifted from doubts about readiness to anticipation for future events, signaling that Philippine tennis is ready to look beyond borders and build from home.
