“I need to improve to compete”: Rising Filipina star Tennielle Madis looks ahead to Hawaii stint

Philippine tennis continues to ride a promising new wave, and at the forefront is rising star Tennielle Madis, currently ranked No. 2 in the country behind sensation Alex Eala. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young prospects, Madis is steadily building a résumé that suggests the future of Philippine tennis is in capable hands.

The teenager recently confirmed a major step in her athletic and academic journey, announcing that she will move to Hawaii later this year after committing to the University of Hawaii. Madis will compete for the Manoa Rainbow Warriors in the upcoming National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season under a scholarship, a significant milestone that underscores her growing reputation both locally and internationally.

Her transition to the United States collegiate circuit comes on the heels of a landmark professional debut. Madis made her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament debut at the Philippine Women’s Open, stepping onto one of the sport’s most competitive stages. The experience proved to be a stern introduction to life at the higher levels of the pro tour, as she bowed out in the first round to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0.

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.

While the loss highlighted the gap between rising prospects and seasoned international competitors, it also served as a valuable learning experience for the young Filipina. Madis reflected candidly on the lessons gained from her WTA stint during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, where she was honored with the prestigious Tony Siddayao Award.

“First of all, it’s an honor to play sa WTA and there is a lot of learnings na natutunan ko sa WTA and one is I need pa to improve pa yung muscles ko, yung consistency ko, and yung power ko po,” Madis said at the event.

Filipina tennis players Stefi Aludo and Tennielle Madis talk about their stunning upset over Thailand in the women’s doubles quarterfinals, sharing how they’ve managed to stay composed and enjoy the game at the SEA Games 2025 Thailand. | via Denise Tan/Cignal pic.twitter.com/P5bJHdOG8T

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 16, 2025

Her self-assessment reflects a maturity beyond her years. Rather than dwelling on the early exit, Madis has focused on the physical and technical adjustments required to compete consistently at the international level — an approach that should serve her well as she prepares for the rigors of US collegiate tennis.

Madis’ rise has been fueled by a breakout 2025 campaign that firmly established her as one of the country’s elite young players. She captured the Gentry Open Women’s Singles title and claimed top honors at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship, showcasing both her composure and competitive edge in high-stakes matches. On the regional stage, she further strengthened her credentials by earning two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand — a performance that demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure against Southeast Asia’s best.

Now, as she prepares to test herself in the United States, Madis is fully aware of the level of competition that awaits her. The American collegiate system is known for producing world-class talent, and she anticipates facing players with both professional experience and advanced physical development.

“There is a lot po talaga na mga pro, malalakas and good experienced players po talaga so I need to improve my skills pa po para maka-compete,” she added.

The move to Hawaii represents more than just a change of scenery — it marks a crucial phase in Madis’ development. With access to world-class facilities, structured strength and conditioning programs, and regular high-level match play, she will have the tools needed to sharpen her game and bridge the gap to the sport’s upper tier.

As Philippine tennis continues to search for its next global breakthrough following the trail blazed by Eala, Tennielle Madis is positioning herself as a name to watch. Her blend of talent, humility, and determination suggests that her journey is only just beginning — and the best chapters of her career may still lie ahead.

👉 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.