Singapore is set to welcome a significantly upgraded edition
of the Singapore Tennis Open as the tournament returns to The Kallang from
September 21 to 27 with WTA 500 status for the first time.
The elevation places the event among a higher tier of
tournaments on the women’s professional tennis calendar, bringing a stronger
player field and a larger stage for fans in Singapore and throughout the
region. The tournament, presented by BNP Paribas, will move to the
bigger-capacity OCBC Arena, allowing more spectators to watch some of the
sport’s leading players in action.
Eala Leads an Elite International Lineup
One of the tournament’s biggest attractions will be Alex
Eala, who enters the competition as one of the newest stars to break into the
world’s top 20.
The Philippine standout will share the spotlight with an
exceptionally strong international field headlined by World No. 3 Jessica
Pegula. The draw also features reigning French Open singles champion Mirra
Andreeva, ranked No. 5, as well as World No. 10 Amanda Anisimova.
Former Singapore Tennis Open champion Elise Mertens is also
scheduled to return, alongside two-time Grand Slam winner Barbora Krejcikova.
The field further expands the tournament’s regional appeal with Indonesian
standout Janice Tjen and China’s top-ranked player Wang Xinyu.
The collection of established champions, rising stars and
leading players from Asia gives the upgraded event considerable competitive
depth.
Pegula Brings Experience and Firepower
Pegula arrives in Singapore at a career-best World No. 3
ranking, reinforcing her position among the leading figures in the women’s
game.
Her résumé includes 11 singles titles and seven doubles
titles, reflecting both sustained consistency and versatility across the
sport’s two disciplines. Her aggressive style and ability to dictate rallies
should make her one of the central figures of the tournament.
Her participation also adds significant international
recognition to an event entering a new phase as a WTA 500 tournament.
Qualifying Action Opens the Tournament
The competition will begin before the main draw, with
qualifying matches scheduled for September 19 and 20.
These opening rounds will determine which players secure the
remaining places in the main tournament. Importantly for local tennis
supporters, admission to the qualifying sessions will be free, providing an
accessible opportunity to watch professional-level competition before the main
event begins.
Tennis With a Social Impact
The Singapore Tennis Open will also use its platform for a
broader purpose through BNP Paribas’ Points for Change initiative.
Under the programme, every point scored throughout the
tournament will translate into a donation to Daughters of Tomorrow, a
Singapore-registered charity focused on helping women from low-income
households build financial independence and access opportunities for greater
social mobility.
The initiative demonstrates how a major sporting event can
extend its influence beyond the scoreboard. Rather than treating competition
and community impact as separate priorities, the programme connects every
successful point on court with tangible support for women and families facing
economic challenges.
It is a model that could also provide inspiration for
sporting events in other communities, particularly local tournaments looking
for practical ways to turn participation and competition into meaningful social
contributions.
Fan Zone Adds Festival Atmosphere
The tournament will offer more than tennis for spectators
visiting The Kallang.
Arena Park will host a public Fan Zone featuring interactive
activities, merchandise booths and screenings of selected matches. The setup is
designed to broaden the event’s appeal beyond dedicated tennis followers,
creating an environment where families, friends and casual sports fans can
participate in the tournament experience.
With an expanded venue, an elite player field and a community-focused programme, the 2026 Singapore Tennis Open is positioned to become more than a routine stop on the tennis calendar. Its WTA 500 upgrade gives Singapore a larger platform for world-class women’s tennis while creating new opportunities to engage fans and generate impact beyond the court.
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