ALEX Eala is expected to headline the Philippine Women's Open in two weeks. But as everyone knows, her participation hinges on how she will fare at the Australian Open whose schedule overlaps the local tournament.
If she reaches the quarterfinals, she's out. Should she lose before the fourth round, she's in. But as things are unfolding, it's not only Eala who is in this tricky situation.
At least six other players entered in the Philippine Women's Open are also competing in the season's first Grand Slam in Melbourne. These are world No. 42 Tatjana Maria, No. 43 Xinyu Wang, No. 70 Donna Vekic, No. 66 Solana Sierra, No. 82 Camila Osorio and No. 85 Lulu Sun.
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Many of them are not expected to survive four rounds of the Australian Open, but some may and their absence will be a blow to the Philippine tournament which is trying to attract the best players possible, especially those competing in Australia. It's bad for them, but good for us.
The Australian Open is from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1, while the the Philippine Women's Open is from Jan. 26 to 31.
Why two WTA tournaments overlap is not actually an aberration. It is by design, says Philippiine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio during a recent discussion with reporters.
In every Grand Slam event, the WTA schedules a tournament almost simultaneous with the major so players who are eliminated early can proceed immediately to the next tournament in order that their long and big preparation for the majors are not wasted.
This smaller event is usually held in a nearby location and it is the reason why the Philippines got the hosting role even though it applied very late. And that is also why the PSC and Philta had to work hard to construct a tennis center acceptable to the exacting requirements of the WTA in so short a time.
Despite the short construction period, organizers say preparations are on track.
With 13 days to go before the tournament, Gregorio said the venue, located inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, is 85 percent ready. The hardcourt surface is done but still undergoing tests to determine its playability.
“24/7 ang trabaho diyan. We even canceled holiday breaks,” Gregorio said. “We fully support NSAs that understand and share the PSC’s vision.”
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Philta secretary-general John Rey Tiangco said the new center will benefit both elite and regular players long after the tournament is over. With its quality specifications, the center can hold international events while local players will now be able to play in facilities that are up to standards.
"This is not just a one time event, this is an investment for Philippine tennis, we can use it in the next few years. We’re building an ecosystem," he said.
The Philippine Women's Open is billed as a 125 category, the lowest level in the WTA, but if this one becomes a smashing success, the next higher level tournament might just be here sooner than later.
How well the Philippines stages this tournament will play a key role in determining whether it can host even bigger events, like a WTA 250, down the line.
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