If plans push through, the Philippines may host a Women’s Tennis Association level event next year as officials of the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) are discussing plans to run a WTA 125 competition in January.
This came up following a meeting between Navotas Mayor and Philta Secretary General John Rey Tiangco and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“Our partnership with the PSC paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” said Tiangco following a meeting with Gregorio.
A first for the country, the high-level tennis event will be known as the WTA 125-Philippine Women’s Open, with the Philta planning to hold it from January 26 to February 1.
Philta and the PSC are in discussions on having it held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center and also at the Philippine Tennis Center being built at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
Filipinos have renewed their interest in the sport of tennis in the aftermath of Alexandra Eala’s success in the Women’s Tennis Association, where she has been one of its rising stars.
Tiangco told Gregorio that they are pursuing efforts to organize not only the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, but also an International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior level J30 event.
“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,” added Tiangco.
Gregorio said the staging of such events will be more than a tournament in tennis.
“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,” said Gregorio.
