Philippine tennis pioneer Marissa Sanchez dies at 69

Philippine tennis legend Marissa “Maris” Sanchez, a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the sport in the country, passed away at the age of 69 on Sunday, January 4, in her hometown of Angeles City, Pampanga.

The news was confirmed by her nephew, DFA Secretary Elmer Cato, through a heartfelt post on Facebook, paying tribute to Sanchez’s remarkable contributions to Philippine tennis.

“Long before Alex Eala, there was Marissa Dizon Sanchez who brought prestige and honor to the Philippines and the Filipino people as one of the top tennis sensations of her era. This evening, Maria Socorro ‘Marissa’ Sanchez passed away in Angeles at the age of 69. Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of her soul,” Cato wrote.

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Born in 1956, Sanchez began playing tennis at the age of 12 and quickly distinguished herself in a sport that, at the time, was heavily male-dominated in the Philippines. By 1975, she had already made her mark, capturing both the National Tennis Open and the Philta Open, achievements that set the stage for her rise to national prominence.

FILIPINA TENNIS ICON PASSES AWAY AT 69

Pumanaw na ang Filipino tennis icon na si Maria Socorro “Marissa” Sanchez sa edad na 69, anunsyo ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) ngayong Martes, Jan. 6.

Tanyag sa larangan ng tennis, minsan nang nakuha ni Sanchez ang No. 1 spot sa… pic.twitter.com/SKEuMPcWP9

— News5 (@News5PH) January 6, 2026

Sanchez’s status as a trailblazer was cemented at the 1977 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she earned a silver medal — becoming the first Filipino tennis player to medal at the prestigious event. The following year, she played a pivotal role in leading the Philippine national team to the main draw of the Federation Cup, now known as the Billie Jean King Cup, further establishing her as a pioneer in women’s tennis.

Though Sanchez retired from competitive play in her early 30s, her passion for tennis never waned. She dedicated herself to developing the next generation of players by organizing training camps and mentoring young athletes. Her influence extended beyond the courts, as she also served as a sports consultant for Angeles City from 2010 to 2019, contributing to the growth of local sports programs and initiatives.

Sanchez’s legacy is felt not only in her trailblazing achievements on the international stage but also in the countless Filipino players she inspired and guided. Her contributions helped pave the way for future stars, including rising talents like Alex Eala, ensuring that Philippine tennis continues to thrive.

Marissa Sanchez will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, and national icon whose dedication to tennis helped elevate the sport in the Philippines. Her impact on and off the court ensures that her legacy will endure for generations of Filipino athletes to come.

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