Rizal Memorial ready for WTA 125 as PSC eyes a new era for Philippine tennis 

The WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open will not just introduce world-class tennis to local fans—it will also signal the rebirth of one of the country’s most historic sporting landmarks.

With final touches underway at the refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) confirmed it is fully prepared to host the tournament, which begins Saturday. PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio said renovations are nearing completion, timed perfectly with the country’s first-ever WTA 125 event.

More than a one-week tournament, the event represents a long-term vision for Rizal Memorial, one fueled by the global rise of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, who is set to compete in the home tournament following her early exit at the Australian Open.

“It excites me,” Gregorio said. “We are in talks with PHILTA, with secretary-general John Rey Tiangco because we are very open to really transform this again as a premier tennis facility in the country.”

Eala’s emergence has accelerated that plan. According to Gregorio, the PSC sees her success as an opportunity to elevate not just the sport, but the country’s image on the international stage.

“Wala na eh, craze na, Alex Eala craze is all over the world. Dapat lang gawin na natin siyang positive image of our country. And she truly deserves that.”

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EXCITED FOR THE FIRST-EVER WTA EVENT IN THE PH?

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) unveiled the newly renovated tennis court at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, the venue for the historic WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open happening from January 26 to 31.

PSC Chairman… pic.twitter.com/rvu0nC9acl

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) January 22, 2026

To enhance the fan experience, the adjacent Rizal Memorial Coliseum—once a tennis venue itself—will be repurposed as a fan zone, offering activities beyond match viewing during the tournament.

The facelift, however, extends far beyond tennis. Gregorio revealed that the entire Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade aimed at benefiting both athletes and spectators.

A newly completed media center now stands at the administration office, while plans are in place to build a dedicated taekwondo venue at the former bowling center near Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The baseball stadium is also slated for renovation.

“Dito sa Rizal, hindi lang naman pang-atleta ‘yan, para sa taumbayan ‘yan,” Gregorio said during a tour of the facilities.

“This will be a new Rizal in 2026,” he added, crediting the Department of Public Works and Highways and the City of Manila as key partners in restoring the historic complex.

As the Philippine Women’s Open takes center stage, Rizal Memorial is positioning itself not just as a host venue—but as a renewed symbol of Philippine sports moving forward.

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