PSC says Rizal courts 80% ready for Women’s Open

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has confirmed that preparations for the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open (PWO), a WTA 125 event, are on track, with major rehabilitation and renovation work at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex nearing completion.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said Sunday that the venue is now about 80% ready to host the tournament, which will feature top local and international tennis talent later this month.

“Siguro around 80% [ready]. I visited it a while ago. Nandoon na ‘yung seats sa one part. They’ve installed all the lights, one court to go for the repainting. It will be beautiful,” Gregorio said. “Hindi tayo mapapahiya na we’re hosting the WTA 125.”

On Monday, PSC and Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) officials began operational testing of the newly resurfaced hard courts at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. The test matches aim to evaluate ball bounce, traction, and overall playing conditions under competitive settings.

“We need to evaluate the ball bounce and traction on the newly resurfaced hard courts under competitive conditions,” said Dyan Castillejo, PHILTA board member and PWO co-Tournament Director. “This testing phase allows us to make any final technical adjustments to the surface to meet the international standards required for a WTA 125 event.”

The test event also serves as a national qualifying tournament, with the country’s top female players competing for ranking points and a wildcard spot in the PWO main draw.

The Philippines’ top two players—Alex Eala and Tennielle Madis of M’lang, Cotabato—have already been awarded wildcards. However, Eala’s participation will depend on her performance at the Australian Open, which overlaps with the Philippine tournament.

“The matches will not only test the facilities of the tennis center but also serve as a qualifying event for local players aiming to compete in the Philippine Women’s Open,” Castillejo added.

Three national playoff matches were scheduled Monday. SEA Games bronze medalist and No. 2 seed Stefi Aludo faced Justine Hannah Maneja, Nina Angeline Alcala played Elizabeth Abarquez, and Kaye Anne Emana took on Joanna Peña. Top seed Tiffany Nocos received an opening-round bye and will meet the winner of Emana vs. Peña in the semifinals.

The main draw of the PWO has attracted at least 24 players from 19 countries, including some of the sport’s rising stars and seasoned competitors.

Headlining the entry list is Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, who recently played a thrilling three-setter against Eala in Auckland. Other notable contenders include China’s Wang Xinyu, who defeated Eala in that tournament’s quarterfinals, and Germany’s Tatjana Maria, a former Wimbledon semifinalist.

The PSC expects the successful hosting of the PWO to boost Philippine tennis and showcase the country’s capability to stage world-class sporting events.