Alexandra Eala's rise is already changing the tennis landscape in the Philippines, and the latest sign will come on the WTA calendar. Manila is set to host a new WTA 250 in 2027, turning the country into a bigger stop on the women's tour only months after staging its first WTA event.
The move, reported by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, would see Manila take over the WTA 250 slot currently occupied by Chennai, India. The Indian tournament is scheduled to stage its final edition in November 2026 before the event moves to the Philippines.
It is a significant upgrade for a country that only joined the WTA calendar this year. Manila hosted the Philippine Women's Open, a WTA 125 event, in January, marking the first time the Philippines had staged a tournament on the circuit. The event immediately produced the kind of local interest that organizers could hope to build on.
Eala was at the centre of that attention. Her appearance in Manila came before the biggest achievements of her breakthrough 2026 season, but the crowds were already a clear indication of the interest surrounding the Filipina star. The WTA later noted the strong support around the tournament, while local reports described packed sessions throughout the week.
Eala turned tennis into a national event
The scale of Eala's popularity has only grown since that first Manila tournament. She reached a career-high No. 18 in August and became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour singles title when she defeated Jessica Pegula in the Washington final.
Her success has also followed her far beyond the Philippines. At the Australian Open, thousands of Filipino fans crowded around Melbourne Park simply hoping to watch her, while her pre-tournament press conference attracted more than 170,000 online viewers.
That support has become particularly visible at major tournaments. During Wimbledon, around 8,000 people gathered in Manila for a watch party to follow Eala's fourth-round match against Jasmine Paolini, while Filipino communities have repeatedly filled stands abroad to support her.
The impact has also been felt at home. After her historic Washington title, reports described increased demand for tennis courts and lessons in the Philippines, with Eala herself noting that players were now struggling to find available courts — a problem she regarded as a positive sign for the sport.
Manila moves up with Eala at the centre
The jump from a WTA 125 to a WTA 250 therefore arrives at a moment when Philippine tennis has an established star capable of giving the event a local identity. Eala is currently ranked No. 18 and already owns two WTA 125 titles alongside her Washington triumph.
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Her participation in the new tournament is not yet confirmed, but the possibility is an obvious attraction for a competition designed to build on the momentum created by this year's Philippine Women's Open.
Eala's influence has already been visible in packed stands, watch parties and a growing appetite for tennis across the country. Now, less than a year after Manila first appeared on the WTA calendar, that momentum is set to bring a full WTA 250 to the Philippines.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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