Designing the Philippines’ Premier Tennis Arena

I’m writing as the first round of the US Open begins, and the excitement is palpable. Alexandra Eala, from the Philippines, is making her debut as a seeded player, which is a big deal for her and for Filipino tennis. Alex is now a favorite on the women’s tour, always drawing big, enthusiastic crowds, especially fellow Filipinos. Her career-high world ranking of 18 shows just how quickly her popularity is growing. This opens up opportunities for the Philippines, and maybe we’ll finally host a WTA or ATP main tour event. Right now, the only tournament we have is the Philippines Women’s Open, but it’s just part of the WTA Challenger Tour, not the main tour. Hosting a WTA or ATP 250 or 500 would mean building world-class facilities, since these events are broadcast globally. This is a perfect chance to create something new, but the Rizal Memorial Coliseum just isn’t enough.

I have spent time playing tennis tournaments across the United States, and during those visits I realized the difference between a basic tennis court and a world-class venue. If the Philippines is to gain recognition in the world of tennis, it needs a completely new, first-rate tennis complex.

The most pressing requirement is tennis courts. We need several courts for playing matches, as well as some for practice. For instance, the US Open has tennis courts used exclusively for practice because they are not included in televised matches and do not have spectator seating. Furthermore, the tennis complex should provide ample, comfortable seating for fans, both during and outside of matches. The Philippines is well known for its poor architectural provisions for people with disabilities, so if we want to be on the global stage, we must make it a priority to adapt the new tennis complex to meet the needs of this often-overlooked section of our population. This will involve providing wheelchair seating and working elevators, just as larger tournament venues in the United States currently do. While we’re discussing accessibility, we might as well look after the need for good circulation between the tennis courts. Considering the crowds that Alex brings, the complex should be designed well above the minimum standards set out by building and accessibility regulations. And since our country is susceptible to rain, it would be advisable to build an indoor tennis court complex.

If you watch tennis tournaments on television, you will see a great deal of behind-the-scenes activity that is usually not visible during a match. If you watch carefully, you will often notice athletes relaxing in breakrooms or doing final exercises and drills in the tournament’s fitness facility. The spaces between matches should not be overlooked, since they directly affect player retention. Additionally, the tournament should include media areas, as tennis players have to give press briefings both before and after a match. Some press rooms should have views over the stadium or the grounds, as shown in televised broadcasts.

In the end, a tennis tournament cannot be considered a success if fans are not taken into account; therefore, it is necessary to offer them adequate entertainment, food and drink. As before, accessibility must be considered, which involves providing dining facilities that are accessible to all. Sponsors should have stores on the grounds themselves.

After the tournament, what becomes of the venue in view of the cost involved in building it? Once the tournament has ended, we could run the venue in the same way that the US Open does. We could rent it out to the public and convert some of the courts into pickleball courts to tap into that market too. Given that Alex is so popular and there is online criticism that there aren’t enough public tennis courts in the Philippines, setting up this new tennis complex would be very economical for the country.

Now then, there is no better moment to begin learning how to play tennis than at this very time.