Historic Milestone: Quito to Host Ecuador’s First-Ever WTA Tournament
History is about to be written on the clay courts of the Quito Tennis and Golf Club, as Ecuador prepares to welcome its first professional women’s tennis event on the WTA Tour. The tournament — a WTA 125-level competition — has received official approval and will take place from December 1 to 7, marking a landmark moment for Ecuadorian tennis. During that week, the eyes of the tennis world will turn to Quito, where players from across the globe will battle for the inaugural Copa Banco Guayaquil WTA 125 de Quito title.
The event represents years of dedication and vision from its organizers, led by former Ecuadorian tennis star Nicolás Lapentti. A press conference is set for Tuesday, October 7, at Banco Guayaquil’s headquarters in Quito, where Lapentti and executives from the title sponsor will unveil more details. As the main financial backer, Banco Guayaquil’s support has been instrumental in making this international competition a reality.
As part of the WTA 125 series, the tournament will serve as an important stepping stone for professional players — bridging the gap between the ITF circuit and the elite levels of the WTA Tour. The champion in Quito will earn 125 WTA ranking points, while the runner-up will collect 81 points. With a $115,000 prize pool, the event promises intense competition and is expected to attract a strong field, including several players ranked inside the WTA Top 100 who regularly compete at Grand Slam and major tour events.
For Ecuador, the Copa Banco Guayaquil WTA 125 is more than just a sporting event — it’s a defining opportunity for the nation’s tennis community. The tournament will give Ecuadorian professionals and promising juniors a rare chance to test their skills against world-class opposition without leaving home soil. Competing in such an environment can be a transformative experience, offering valuable exposure and motivation for the next generation of athletes to pursue their tennis dreams.
The addition of Quito to the WTA calendar also underscores the sport’s growing global reach and commitment to expanding opportunities for women players. In 2025, the WTA 125 circuit will offer a record $6 million in total prize money, reflecting the tour’s efforts to strengthen professional pathways across continents. The new event in Ecuador is a direct reflection of that momentum, signaling a new era for tennis in the region.
As December approaches, anticipation continues to build. The arrival of the WTA Tour in Quito is not only a celebration of sport but also a statement of Ecuador’s place on the world tennis map — ready to welcome top talent, inspire future champions, and host history in the making.
