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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Alex Eala's US Open run sparks plan for world-class tennis complex

Alex Eala's US Open run sparks plan for world-class tennis complex

Published Aug 30, 2025 12:08 am  |  Updated Aug 30, 2025 07:20 am
Alex Eala
Alex Eala
Fresh off her historic US Open debut, the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced that New Clark City will soon feature a world-class tennis facility that Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala and other future stars can call their “home court.”
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua Bingcang said his agency is gearing up for an agreement with the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) to build its headquarters in the former military base.
Bingcang said this deal will involve the establishment of training facilities that meet world-class standards.
He said the project, which would pave the path for a future tennis stadium, will span 10 hectares.
Bingcang said the BCDA and PHILTA will ensure that the project meets the requirements and specifications for area, facilities, and size, aligned with global standards.
“It is necessary for it to qualify as a venue for international events,” he told reporters.
Alex Eala made history on Monday, Aug. 25 (Philippine time), after winning her first Grand Slam main draw match, pulling an upset against world no. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark.
The tennis sensation drew roaring support from thousands of Filipinos who cheered her on at Flushing Meadows in New York.
“I don’t have a home tournament, so to be able to have this community here at the US Open, I’m so grateful they made me feel like I’m home,” Eala was quoted as saying, following her win.
Eala bowed out of the US Open after losing to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the second round on Thursday.
Bingcang said she expects the tennis development in Clark to further propel the 20-year-old Eala to superstardom while inspiring the next generation of tennis players.
The official said the BCDA will receive the complete details of the project from PHILTA as early as next week.
He said the scheduled date for signing the agreement is Sept. 10.
“That is our contribution to Philippine sports development,” said Bingcang.
The BCDA has been ramping up sports development across its properties following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) to strengthen the country’s sports development.
Last week, the state-run firm signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to modernize the country’s sports infrastructure by leveraging key assets of the BCDA.
Under the agreement, the BCDA and PSC will form a joint task force to identify properties that can be developed into premier training and sports facilities.
Priority sites include New Clark City, which is envisioned to host a national training center, and Baguio City, chosen for the establishment of a new high-performance facility.
The BCDA said this initiative will explore the prospect of public-private partnership arrangements, advanced design and construction methods, and professional management to ensure the creation of world-class sports infrastructure.

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