PSC chief eyes WTA 250 event after hosting inaugural Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125

The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open is currently underway in Manila, marking a historic moment for tennis in the country as it debuts on the 2026 WTA calendar. The tournament has placed the Philippine capital firmly on the international tennis map by hosting a WTA 125-level event, attracting both rising stars and experienced tour players looking to gain momentum, match play, and valuable ranking points.

The event, which runs until January 31, 2026, is being contested on hard courts and features a 32-player singles draw alongside a 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize commitment of $115,000, the Philippine Women’s Open offers a highly competitive platform designed to nurture emerging talent while giving established players the opportunity to sharpen their game.

Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has been instrumental in bringing the tournament to Manila and emphasized that the country aims to host the best possible edition of the WTA 125 to pave the way for a future WTA 250 event. Hosting a higher-tier event, he believes, would give Filipino fans the chance to see local sensation Alex Eala face off against some of the world’s top players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and American star Madison Keys.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“I told the WTA vice president for global program development, Melissa Pines, that after the WTA 125, the next should be 250. If we pass this test, give us a 250 event because Alex is still developing, and I’m sure she will soon be a top 30 or even a top 20 player in the world,” Gregorio said during a media interaction.

WTA 250 next? 🤔 🇵🇭 🎾

“It’s a big win for the country. Hopefully, we can get promoted. If they’re happy with the 125, we’ll go to 250, we’re just looking for a franchise.

In WTA, you are allowed to host 2-5 WTAs. In Italy they have 8, in China they have 5 so we can push for… pic.twitter.com/qytlngN3mo

— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) January 26, 2026

Gregorio added that hosting the event in the Philippines is not just about ranking points or prize money, but also about giving Filipino athletes the opportunity to succeed on the international stage. “This is what we have been waiting for. If we have Filipino athletes succeeding in the international field, on the world stage, it is a must that we organize something to host them in the Philippines,” he said.

As part of his vision for Philippine tennis, Gregorio promised that if Manila secures a WTA 250 event, the PSC will collaborate with the Department of Tourism to introduce additional WTA tournaments in other cities. “With a 250, together with the Department of Tourism, we can further develop tennis and maybe introduce another WTA 125 in another city, like Cebu. This model already works—Italy has eight WTA tournaments, and China has five,” he explained.

Gregorio highlighted that the push for WTA events is centered around Alex Eala, who has become a symbol of inspiration for the country’s tennis development. “That’s how we plan, and that’s how we support Philippine tennis. We are doing all of this because of one great young lady who is now at the forefront and serves as our inspiration—Alex Eala,” he concluded.

The Philippines has increasingly positioned itself as a top destination in Southeast Asia for international sporting competitions, hosting world-class events across multiple disciplines. Recent highlights include the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup and the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, among others. The arrival of the Philippine Women’s Open adds tennis to this growing list of premier events, providing both local fans and athletes with a platform to compete and excel on the global stage.

With the tournament underway, all eyes are on Manila as it showcases its capacity to host world-class tennis and sets the stage for what could be a new era of Philippine tennis on the international circuit, propelled by the talent and promise of Alex Eala.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.