THE action is on for the country’s first-ever WTA 125 hosting, as the Philippine Women’s Tennis Open takes center stage at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center from January 26 to 31, 2026.
Top seed Tatjana Maria (WTA No. 42) of Germany is drawn against France’s Leolia Jeanjean (No. 103) in the opening round.
Second seed and Manila’s pride Alex Eala (No. 49) opens her campaign against a familiar foe in Alina Charaeva (No. 142) of Russia.
The two first met in 2020 in Melilla, Spain, where Charaeva claimed a 6-3, 6-3 win over Eala, who at that time, was still transitioning to the professional ranks.
Third seed Argentinian Solana Sierra (No. 63) is set to face Taipei’s Joanna Garland, while fourth seed Donna Vekic (No. 72) pf Croatia opens against Japan’s Kyoka Okamura.
The other seeded players are Camila Osorio, Lulu Sun, Simona Waltert, and Darja Semenistaja.
Other Filipinos following Eala
Aside from Eala, Tennielle Madis, Elizabeth Abarquez, and Kaye Emana are other Filipinos with direct entry into the main draw.
READ: Djokovic says fan frenzy sparked by Eala a ‘nice problem’ to have
Meanwhile, Setfi Aludo, who won in the first round of qualifiers in Saturday’s opener, will still have to play another round for a chance to advance to the main draw.
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