Rizal Memorial Courts get final trial as local aces chase wildcard spots for WTA 125 PH Women’s Open

With the clock ticking toward the Philippines’ first-ever WTA 125 tournament, the spotlight shifts to the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center—not for ceremony, but for scrutiny.

Beginning Monday, Philippine sports officials will conduct operational testing of the newly renovated courts, turning the venue into a proving ground just two weeks before the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open tips off. Rather than a quiet inspection, the process will unfold through live competition, as the country’s top female players battle for national ranking points and a prized wildcard into the historic event.

“The matches will not only test the facilities of the tennis center but also serve as a qualifying event for local players aiming to compete in the Philippine Women’s Open,” said Dyan Castillejo, Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) board member and PWO co-Tournament Director.

Over a three-day stretch, competitive play will push the venue’s upgrades to their limits—an intentional move as organizers seek to simulate the demands of a full WTA tournament environment.

“We need to evaluate the ball bounce and traction on the newly resurfaced hard courts under competitive conditions,” Castillejo said. “This testing phase allows us to make any final technical adjustments to the surface to meet the international standards required for a WTA 125 event.”

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PSC Chairman ‘Pato’ Gregorio shares the percentage of readiness for hosting the country’s first-ever #WTA125 event, as renovations at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center near completion ahead of the #PhilippineWomensOpen from January 26 to 31. | via Mau Muarip #OSOnTheSpot pic.twitter.com/D43x9rFJdD

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 12, 2026

Absent from the playoff action are the Philippines’ top two players, Alex Eala and rising prospect Tennielle Madis of M’lang, Cotabato, both of whom have already secured wildcard entries. Eala’s availability, however, remains fluid, as her participation hinges on how deep she advances at the Australian Open, which overlaps with the PWO main draw.

Monday’s slate features three opening-round matchups, led by No. 2 seed and 2025 SEA Games bronze medalist Stefi Aludo against Justine Hannah Maneja. Nina Angeline Alcala faces Elizabeth Abarquez, while Kaye Anne Emana meets Joanna Peña in the third contest.

Top seed Tiffany Nocos received a first-round bye and will await the winner of the Emana-Peña duel in the semifinals, adding further incentive to an already high-stakes setup.

Beyond the local playoffs, the Philippine Women’s Open is shaping up to be a globally diverse affair. At least 24 players from 19 countries have entered the tournament, headlined by Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic—who could be in line for a rematch with Eala following their recent three-set encounter in Auckland.

Also in the field are China’s Wang Xinyu, who eliminated Eala in the Auckland quarterfinals, and German veteran Tatjana Maria, a former Wimbledon semifinalist.

As matches unfold this week, the stakes extend beyond wins and losses. Every rally doubles as a stress test, ensuring that when the Philippine Women’s Open finally serves off, the stage—and the surface—are fully ready.

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