MANILA, Philippines — The Rizal Memorial Tennis Center will undergo upgrades as the Philippines prepares to host two Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) events in Manila in 2027, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said.
The country is scheduled to host the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in January 2027 following its successful staging last year.
A separate WTA 250 tournament is also scheduled for Nov. 1 to 7 in Manila, according to the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA).
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said upgrading the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center is necessary to ensure that the venue meets the requirements for international competitions.
“When we host a sports tourism event, we make sure that we upgrade the facilities. And Rizal naman talaga is due for upgrading,” Gregorio said.
“As far as Rizal is concerned, we are ready. We will upgrade. We’ll make it better for the 125 and the 250 in Manila,” he added.
Gregorio also disclosed that two other cities have expressed interest in hosting WTA 250 tournaments.
“Meron yan two cities na gustong mag-host ng WTA 250. Let’s see if they will progress in terms of development,” he said.
The PSC is also working with PHILTA on plans to establish regional tennis training hubs across the country to strengthen grassroots development.
Gregorio said he and PHILTA Secretary-General John Rey Tiangco have been visiting different parts of the country to identify potential locations for regional training centers.
“Kami ni [PHILTA] SecGen John Rey [Tiangco], dahan-dahan, quietly, we’re travelling all over the country, analyzing kung saan tayo pwede magtayo ng regional training centers. And it’s a great move as far as tennis is concerned,” Gregorio said.
