🎾 From WTA 250 to 500: Singapore's tennis tournament rises as regional talent grows
The region's only WTA 500 event will anchor the Asian Swing from 21–27 September with US$1.2 million prize money and Alexandra Eala confirmed
🎯 The Main Takeaway
The Singapore Tennis Open (STO) has been upgraded to a WTA 500 tournament for its 2026 edition, making it Southeast Asia’s only WTA 500 event. The tournament, set to run from 21–27 September at OCBC Arena at The Kallang, will feature a 28-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw, with a total prize pool of approximately US$1.2 million.
The upgrade places Singapore among an elite group of just 18 WTA 500 tournaments worldwide and reflects the success of the 2025 WTA 250 edition, which drew nearly 22,000 fans to the Kallang Tennis Hub.
“The elevation to WTA 500 means fans can look forward to a higher-quality field, more competitive matches and an even bigger, more exciting atmosphere at The Kallang this year.”
— Yazed Osman, Group Head, Events & Placemaking, The Kallang Group
Curious about Southeast Asian players' historic rise in world tennis? Read our deep dive here.
📡 Why It’s on Our Radar
The upgrade to WTA 500 status is a significant milestone for tennis in Southeast Asia. Previously a WTA 250, the event’s elevation means higher ranking points, a larger prize pool, and a stronger player field—all of which position Singapore as a serious contender for top-tier tennis events.
Key facts:
One of only 17 WTA 500 tournaments on the 2026 calendar
First WTA 500 event ever hosted in Singapore
The only WTA 500 tournament in Southeast Asia in 2026
Multi-year commitment: Singapore will host the WTA 500 from 2026 to 2030
Filipino star Alexandra Eala—currently ranked World No. 32 and the highest-ranked Filipino player in WTA history—has been confirmed to return to Singapore for the 2026 edition. Eala, who has fond memories of competing in Singapore as a junior at the WTA Future Stars, made history in 2025 by becoming the first Filipino player to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal and the round of 16 at the US Open.
🏸 A Regional Tennis Ecosystem
The Singapore Tennis Open is part of a broader tennis ecosystem developing across Southeast Asia. Other notable events include:
Philippines – Masters tennis events have arrived, with the ITF reporting a “landmark moment” for the sport in the country
Regional presence – The event will be accompanied by the Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup (STIC), a regional team competition now in its second edition, which will run alongside the main tournament at the Kallang Tennis Hub
The STIC, organized by the Singapore Tennis Association, features top teams from the region competing for the title, adding a developmental layer to the elite-level competition.
🌟 Regional Talent on the Rise
Both Eala and Tjen are referred to as “SEASters”—a term celebrating their role in bringing Southeast Asian pride to the biggest stages, including the French Open and Wimbledon.
🎟️ What Fans Can Expect
The tournament is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, with single-session tickets starting from just $8:
Early Bird Offer: 10% off passes and selected standard ticket categories, valid for four weeks from 30 June
All-access passes: Starting from $650
Hospitality packages: Starting from $500
Beyond the court, fans can enjoy:
Meet-and-greet sessions with players
Tennis clinics for fans to test their skills and learn from touring professionals
Sponsor activations and fan zones across the Singapore Sports Hub precinct
🏠 Why This Hits Home
The upgrade to WTA 500 is a major boost for Singapore’s sports tourism industry. Events of this tier attract international visitors, media coverage, and global attention—benefits that extend far beyond the tennis court.
WTA CEO Portia Archer noted that the inaugural 2025 edition “received excellent feedback all around,” and expressed confidence that the upgraded status “will attract many top players to compete in front of Singapore’s passionate fans”.
Alan Goh, CEO of Sport Singapore, said the event could “inspire our next generation of tennis talent in Singapore and beyond”. The tournament also strengthens Singapore’s position as a sports hub, building on its successful hosting of the WTA Finals (2014–2018) and the men’s ATP Singapore Open (2021).
🔮 The Bottom Line
The Singapore Tennis Open’s WTA 500 upgrade is a game-changer for tennis in Southeast Asia. With a US$1.2 million prize pool, elite player participation, and a commitment to hosting until 2030, Singapore is firmly establishing itself as a premier destination for international tennis.
For fans, the event offers an opportunity to witness top-tier women’s tennis in a region that has long been an emerging market for the sport. For the region, it signals that Southeast Asia is ready to compete with the world’s best tennis destinations—on and off the court.
Need More Angles
ATP Tour Tournaments
SportPlus Singapore Tennis Open Upgrades to WTA 500: World-Class Tennis Returns to The Kallang
Strait Times, The Alexandra Eala of the Philippines among the stars for 2026 Singapore Tennis Open
WTA Tennis Tournament Calendar
(ELS/QOB)