PH eyes hosting WTA 125 tournament in 2026

The Philippines is eyeing to host a WTA 125 tournament next year, as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said talks are underway for the possible staging of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in early 2026.

The PSC said it is targeting January 26 to February 1 as the dates for the event.

This development comes after PSC chair Patrick Gregorio and Navotas Mayor and Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco met on September 29.

Aside from discussions about the potential WTA 125 tournament, the country is also set to host an International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 tournament later this year. Plans to reopen the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts and build the Philippine Tennis Center were also discussed.

“This is more than a tournament. This is about giving our athletes the chance to test themselves against the world’s best, inspiring the next generation, and placing the Philippines firmly on the global tennis map,” Gregorio said.

“The greatest champions began their journeys on public courts. By opening access and investing in world-class events, we are giving Filipinos the same chance to dream big and achieve greatness.”

Tiangco, meanwhile, hopes this starts a new chapter for Philippine tennis.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” Tiangco said in a statement.

“From pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and ITF J30 to exploring the opening of Rizal Memorial courts to the public and building the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, we are bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Tennis transforms lives, and with PSC’s support, we are determined to help Filipinos rise and shine on the world stage.”

What is a WTA 125 tournament?

According to the WTA website, the WTA 125 series, which includes the likes of Guadalajara 125, Jingshan Tennis Open, and the Suzhou WTA 125, "offers both established WTA players and talented newcomers the ability to build their careers and progress up to the highest levels of the WTA Tour."

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala won her first WTA 125 title in Guadalajara last month.

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