The Philippines is officially prepared to make tennis history by hosting its first-ever Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. Organizers have declared that all preparations are on track for the landmark Philippine Women's Open, a WTA 125 event scheduled for January 26 to 31, 2026.
Venue Transformation and Collaborative Effort
The historic competition will be held at the newly refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. During a press briefing held at Lanson Place in Pasay City just two weeks before the event, officials expressed strong confidence in the country's readiness. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio highlighted the successful partnership between the PSC and the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) as the driving force behind the tournament.
"The PSC is the enabler of events," Gregorio stated. He painted a vivid picture of the intensive work done to prepare the iconic venue, noting hundreds of workers laboring into the early morning hours. The mobilization effort extended beyond the PSC to include the City of Manila and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), resulting in what he called a "beautiful transformation." The PSC did not hesitate to provide financial support for this project, aligning with its long-term vision for Philippine sports.
A Major Leap for Philippine Tennis Development
Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General John Rey Tiangco, who is also the Mayor of Navotas City and a former national player, emphasized the event's significance far beyond a one-time competition. He described hosting the inaugural Philippine Women's Open as a monumental step for local tennis.
"This is a big deal. This is not a one-time event but an investment in Philippine tennis," Tiangco asserted. "We are building an ecosystem that will allow our players to compete against world-class opponents." He revealed that Philta has secured a three-year agreement with the WTA to host the WTA 125 tournament, ensuring a lasting impact.
As a testament to the venue's readiness, Tiangco pointed out that the courts are already being used for local qualifying matches for the Open. "The fact that we are already using the courts for a qualifying tournament among our top local players means that it is almost ready," he said, expressing confidence that with the PSC's support, final touches will be completed on time.
Ticket Details and Event Schedule
Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza announced that tickets for the historic event are now available for purchase. The schedule and pricing are as follows:
Qualifying Matches (January 24-25): General admission is priced at P200 with free seating.
Main Draw Matches (January 26-29): Tickets for rounds from the round of 32 to the quarterfinals will cost P1,000.
Semifinals and Doubles Finals (January 30): Standard passes are P1,500, while premium passes are P2,000.
Championship Matches (January 31): The same rates apply, with standard passes at P1,500 and premium passes at P2,000.
The successful staging of the WTA 125 Manila event marks a new era for Philippine tennis, providing a world-class platform for local athletes and inspiring a new generation of players. The message from organizers is clear and direct: "WTA 125 Manila, we are ready."
