The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hopes that the inaugural staging of the Philippine Women’s Open (PWO) will pave the way for the country’s hosting of more international tennis events in the future.
PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said they are trying their best to come up with a successful hosting of the PWO so that the Women’s Tennis Association will have a good reason to hold a WTA 250 event in the country soon.
He said if that happens, local fans will get a chance to witness Alex Eala face the stars of professional tennis like world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula.
Ranked No. 49 in the world, Eala is in the thick of her PWO campaign as she is battling No. 163 Alina Charaeva of Russia in the Round of 32 at press time at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
“I told (WTA vice president for global program development) Melissa (Pines) that after the WTA 125, the next should be 250. If we pass this test, give us a 250 event because Alex is still developing and I’m sure she’ll soon be a top 30 or even a top 20 in the world,” said Gregorio, who organized the PWO with the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association as part of his aggressive sports tourism campaign.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for. If we have Filipino athletes succeeding in the international field, on the world stage, it is a must that we organize something to host them in the Philippines.”
Gregorio, a veteran sports official who has a strong background in the tourism industry, said that should the WTA grant his request for the hosting of a WTA 250 event, he will collaborate with the Department of Tourism to make sure that they will still host a WTA 125 event in a different city.
“With a 250, together with the Department of Tourism, we can further develop tennis and maybe introduce another WTA 125 in another city, like Cebu. This model already works — Italy has eight WTA tournaments and China has five,” Gregorio said.
“That’s how we plan, and that’s how we support Philippine tennis. We’re doing all of this because of one great young lady who is now at the forefront and serves as our inspiration — Alex Eala.”
The Philippines has been hosting several world-class tourneys to not only support the local bets but also boost tourism in the country.
Last year, the country hosted the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, last November, where it showcased the skills of Karl Eldrew Yulo, who went on to clinch two bronze medals in the floor exercise and vault.