2026 Philippine Women’s Open: Prize Money and Tournament Details
The 2026 Philippine Women’s Open, a WTA 125 event, is set to bring world-class tennis back to Manila from January 26-31, 2026. Held on hard courts, the tournament features a total prize money pool of $115,000, providing a crucial opportunity for rising stars and established players to earn ranking points and financial rewards early in the season.
Prize Money Distribution
The total financial commitment of $115,000 is distributed across the singles and doubles main draw, rewarding players at every stage of the competition. The prize distribution for singles is as follows:
- Winner: The champion will take home $15,500, along with 125 ranking points.
- Finalist: The runner-up secures a $8,400 payout and 81 ranking points.
- Semifinalists: Reaching the final four guarantees a substantial $5,300 and 49 ranking points.
- Quarterfinalists: Players who make the last eight receive $3,450 and 27 ranking points.
- Round of 16: Competitors reaching the second round earn 15 points plus their $2,000.
- First Round: All participants in the main draw are guaranteed $1,200 and 1 point, ensuring financial support for all qualified athletes.
Key Players and Storylines
The 2026 edition features a competitive field, headlined by several notable international and local talents:
- Top Seeds: The draw is led by experienced campaigners such as Tatjana Maria (GER), the No. 1 seed, and Donna Vekic (CRO), the No. 4 seed. Both have successfully advanced to the second round, with Vekic defeating Kyoka Okamura 6-1, 6-2.
- Local Hope: The Philippines’ own tennis sensation, Alexandra Eala, continues to be a major draw for local fans. Entering the 2026 season with a career-high ranking of No. 49, Eala has established herself as a serious contender on the tour.
- Rising Stars: Other competitors include Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) and Solana Sierra (ARG), who have both secured victories in their opening matches.
The Importance of WTA 125 Events
WTA 125 tournaments, such as the Philippine Women’s Open, connect the ITF Circuit to the main WTA Tour (WTA 250, 500, and 1000 events). With a $115,000 prize pool, these tournaments provide more financial support than regular ITF events, helping players maintain their careers while earning important ranking points.
For players like Alexandra Eala, who recently broke into the Top 50, these tournaments provide essential match play and a chance to accumulate points to qualify for larger events later in the season, such as the Grand Slams and WTA 1000 mandatories. The expansion of the WTA 125 calendar to over 50 events in recent years highlights the tour’s commitment to supporting the depth of women’s professional tennis.
The 2026 Philippine Women’s Open promises to be an exciting week of tennis, showcasing a blend of veteran experience and the next generation of stars battling for the title in Manila.
