By REYNALD MAGALLON
Alex Eala could soon be playing in front of her Filipino fans.
That after Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio revealed that the country is looking to host a WTA 125 tournament here in Manila by January 2026.
Speaking during the 2025 Batang Pinoy press launch at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on Thursday, Oct. 2, Gregorio disclosed that the PSC, along with the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), are already in talks for the tournament that will happen right after the Australian Open.
Gregorio added that PSC is now beginning to renovate the tennis courts at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which will be the venue of the event.
The WTA requires three tennis courts according to Gregorio.
“Ayan hahabulin natin yan (renovations )kasi WTA 125, sino ba gusto natin maglaro diyan, siyempre Alex Eala. Nakausap ko na ang secretary general ng PHILTA, si John Rey Tiangco ng Navotas,” said Gregorio.
“Sa Rizal po natin gagawin yung WTA. Papaspasan natin yung renovation, papaspasan natin yung stands, hopefully by next year baka mas maganda na,” he added.
The PSC chief said there is enough time for the renovation and assured that the court will meet WTA standards.
“Parang requirement ata is three tennis courts so pagdating ng Finals nyan kailangan wala na yung dalawang tennis courts and yung tennis court na dalawa gagawin mo na syang court stands,” said Gregorio.
“So papaspasan natin yan and kakayanin natin yan January pa naman iyan,” he assured.
The initiative, according to Gregorio, remains in line with the vision of the PSC and the Office of the President of promoting sports tourism all while giving Filipino athletes enough international exposure to develop.
“Ito kasama sa programa natin na gusto-gusto ni Presidente, sports tourism. Ihiwalay natin ang sports tourism. Yung sports para lumahok ang mga atleta at yung tourism component so we can promote our country.Yun yung ginagawa natin,” said Gregorio.
“Kaya WTA isang malaking proyekto na naman iyan ng Philippine Sports Commission at PHILTA,” he added.
