PH Women’s Open sparks push for more local tournaments in Tennis

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Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is planning to organize more local women’s tournaments following the successful staging of the Philippine Women’s Open, as officials and players led by Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala highlighted the lack of competitive opportunities for female athletes during the country’s first-ever WTA 125 event at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Eala earlier described the tournament as a “wake-up call” for stakeholders, stressing the need for greater investment in the sport.

“I’m so happy that I got to be part of it, and I’m so happy that I was able to see it unfold,” Eala said during the post-match press conference on Thursday.

She also pointed out the disparity between men’s and women’s tournaments in the country. “Locally, there are only eight professional tournaments for men and only two for women,” Eala said, adding that hosting a WTA event is “a great stepping stone” for women’s tennis in the Philippines.

PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco echoed Eala’s sentiments, admitting that participation has long been a challenge when organizing women’s tournaments.

Tiangco said the Philippine Women’s Open could help prevent young athletes from leaving the sport due to limited prospects.

“Normally, after juniors, they shift to a different career or even a different sport. Nag-iibang racket sport sila kasi walang opportunity. Now, it’s different. We really want to promote women’s tennis,” he said.

PHILTA is also coordinating with the Philippine Sports Commission to open more tennis courts to the public to encourage wider participation and grassroots development. [F]

Via Raven Angeline Casao, Staff Writer