With almost two weeks before the event, the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center looks primed to host the Philippine Women’s Open.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said in a press conference Tuesday that the venue is up to the standards set by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Gregorio, a veteran official in the tourism and sports sector before being appointed as the head of PSC last July, said they even expanded the seating capacity to 2000, more than the recommended 750-seating requirement set by the WTA, and will also install screens to accommodate more fans.

“The venue has been inspected and cleaned by DPWH and other agencies. A final inspection is scheduled later today, and we are confident that all issues, including cleanliness and surroundings, have been addressed,” said Gregorio, who was with Philippine Tennis Academy secretary general John Rey Tiangco in the presser.

“The original seating capacity was about 300, but we installed around 2,000 bleacher seats, exceeding WTA requirements. There are also plans to set up large LED (light-emitting diode) screens in nearby covered facilities so more fans can watch.”

Stars who sit within the Top 100 of the WTA rankings will fly to Manila to showcase their talents in front of fans craving for world-caliber tennis action on home soil.

World No. 49 and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Alex Eala is also expected to grace the Philippine Women’s Open in what could be her first home tourney since becoming a professional player in 2020.

But if she remains in contention for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the Year, by 23 January, she will have to skip the competition altogether and let another rising Filipino star take her wildcard slot.

If she suffers an early exit at Melbourne Park, a handful of former foes await the Rafael Nadal Academy as she guns for her second WTA crown.

Set to appear in the Philippine Women’s Open are No. 43  Wang Xinyu of China, No. 64 Solana Sierra of Argentina, world No. 70 Donna Vekic of Croatia No. 85 Lulu Sun of New Zealand and No. 87 Moyuka Uchijima of Japan.

Both Eala and Vekic will face off again in the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday as part of their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist Tennielle Madis will also make her WTA debut on home soil as she and Eala gained wildcard entries in the Philippine Women’s Open.

Tiangco, who also serves as the mayor of Navotas City, said this endeavor is also part of their long-term plans to promote the growth of tennis at the grassroots level.

After all, Eala looked up to Russian star and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, especially when she visited the Philippines in 2014 for the International Premier Tennis League.

“We’re very excited. It’s a milestone for the Philippines and we are going to be part of the WTA Tour. It is also an investment for the future of Philippine tennis,” Tiangco said.

“A lot of kids can finally watch their favorite tennis players here. Most of the players are coming off the Australian Open, so it will be like watching the first few rounds here in Manila.”

Other than Eala, Madis will be making her WTA debut as she is coming off a stellar showing in the 33rd SEA Games last December after clinching a silver medal in the women’s doubles and a bronze medal in the team event in Thailand.

The 18-year-old Madis vows to put on a show as she gets a taste of WTA action.

“It really means a lot to me, especially since the tournament will be held here in the Philippines. I’m very excited to compete,” Madis said.

“My mindset is to stay inside the court, play freely, and not put too much pressure on myself. I’ll just do my best.”

Those looking to buy tickets for the Philippine Women’s Open may do so via SM Tickets outlets in SM Malls or online at smtickets.com as the price starts at P 200 for the qualifying rounds on 24 and 25 January.

The Round of 32 seats will be priced at P1,000 for free-seating tickets in the main draw and P1,500 for reserved or numbered seating in the semifinals and finals.