WTA 250 Tournament Will Relocate to Manila in 2027
The professional tennis tournament will move to the Philippines to align with regional growth and avoid rainy weather.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Tennis
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The WTA 250 tournament will officially relocate from Chennai, India, to Manila, Philippines, starting in November 2027. This move follows the final scheduled edition of the Chennai Open, which will take place in November 2026.
Why it matters
The transition addresses weather-related disruptions seen during the Chennai event, which previously faced scheduling challenges due to the local rainy season. It also allows the WTA to capitalize on the increasing popularity of local star Alexandra Eala within the Southeast Asian market.
Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old rising star, currently holds an 18th-place world ranking. The WTA 250 series will maintain a presence in the region with a new WTA 125 event scheduled for the Philippines in January 2027.
The players
Alexandra Eala
She is a 21-year-old professional tennis player from the Philippines who is currently ranked 18th in the world.
Octagon
This sports and entertainment agency serves as the license holder for the WTA 250 tournament.
WTA
The Women's Tennis Association is the principal organizing body for women's professional tennis globally.
The details
Sports agency Octagon and the WTA confirmed the shift, noting that the move is designed to leverage the growing tennis fanbase in the Philippines. While the tournament is departing India, stakeholders are currently exploring options to keep a professional tennis presence in the country through a potential WTA 125 event or a different calendar slot.
Timeline
November 2 to 8, 2026: The final scheduled edition of the Chennai Open takes place at the SDAT Stadium.
January 2027: The Philippines will host a WTA 125 event.
November 2027: The WTA 250 tournament will make its debut in Manila.
Season Trajectory
This move marks a significant shift in the WTA's calendar by prioritizing market growth over maintaining legacy tournament locations. It positions the Philippines as a primary hub for women's tennis in Southeast Asia, diverging from the previous focus on the Indian market.
Fans in Manila can anticipate the debut of a WTA 250 tournament in November 2027, marking the first time the city will host this level of competition. Indian tennis fans will see the end of the Chennai WTA 250 series in 2026, shifting the focus of the regional calendar to the Philippines.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how emerging stars can fundamentally influence the global logistics of professional sports. Fans should watch for further announcements regarding the specific venue and ticket availability as the 2027 debut nears.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving professional circuit, visit our Tennis coverage.
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