Tennis has continued to gain momentum in the Philippines over the past couple of years, fueled in part by the rise of the sport’s new sensation, Alex Eala.
After hosting its inaugural WTA 125 tournament in Manila from January 26 to 31 this year, the Southeast Asian country is set to welcome another major women’s tennis event next year, this time at the WTA 250 level.
In its announcement of the 2027 calendar, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) revealed that Manila will host a new WTA 250 tournament, marking another step forward for professional tennis in the Philippines just a year after the country’s debut on the WTA calendar.
“The WTA platform has massive global reach. 2027 will bring elite women’s tennis to new and established destinations around the world — including a new WTA 250 tournament in Manila, Philippines — while building throughout the season toward the WTA Finals in its new home of Charlotte, North Carolina,” the WTA said.
The announcement has generated excitement among Filipino tennis fans, with the tournament providing another opportunity to see Eala compete on home soil alongside other stars of the women’s game.
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The news was confirmed by Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) secretary general John Rey Tiangco and board member Dyan Castillejo on October 1 through a video posted on PHILTA’s Facebook page.
“We’re happy to announce and confirm, late last night, we thrashed out some details with the franchise holder of WTA 250. We’re going to have WTA 250 next year, 2027,” Tiangco said.
Tiangco also clarified that the WTA 250 will not replace the WTA 125, meaning the Philippines will host two WTA tournaments in 2027.
According to Castillejo, who was the first Filipina to be ranked in the WTA, the WTA 250 tournament will be held around the “end of October, first week of November.”
She also confirmed that the WTA 125 will return in January next year.
“So even now, we’d like to invite all the international players, hopefully, to put the Philippines in your calendar,” Castillejo said. “The Philippines is very excited to be hosting you again.”
The new WTA 250 event will further raise the profile of tennis in a country traditionally known for its passion for basketball, while giving local fans another chance to watch top-level women’s tennis in Manila.
“The tournament is such a big boost to our local athletes who also have a chance to compete against the world’s best in tennis,” Castillejo added.
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