Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Tennielle Madis

  • “I need to improve to compete”: Rising Filipina star Tennielle Madis looks ahead to Hawaii stint

    “I need to improve to compete”: Rising Filipina star Tennielle Madis looks ahead to Hawaii stint

    Philippine tennis continues to ride a promising new wave, and at the forefront is rising star Tennielle Madis, currently ranked No. 2 in the country behind sensation Alex Eala. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young prospects, Madis is steadily building a résumé that suggests the future of Philippine tennis is in capable hands.

     

    The teenager recently confirmed a major step in her athletic and academic journey, announcing that she will move to Hawaii later this year after committing to the University of Hawaii. Madis will compete for the Manoa Rainbow Warriors in the upcoming National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season under a scholarship, a significant milestone that underscores her growing reputation both locally and internationally.

     

    Her transition to the United States collegiate circuit comes on the heels of a landmark professional debut. Madis made her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament debut at the Philippine Women’s Open, stepping onto one of the sport’s most competitive stages. The experience proved to be a stern introduction to life at the higher levels of the pro tour, as she bowed out in the first round to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    While the loss highlighted the gap between rising prospects and seasoned international competitors, it also served as a valuable learning experience for the young Filipina. Madis reflected candidly on the lessons gained from her WTA stint during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, where she was honored with the prestigious Tony Siddayao Award.

     

    “First of all, it’s an honor to play sa WTA and there is a lot of learnings na natutunan ko sa WTA and one is I need pa to improve pa yung muscles ko, yung consistency ko, and yung power ko po,” Madis said at the event.

    Her self-assessment reflects a maturity beyond her years. Rather than dwelling on the early exit, Madis has focused on the physical and technical adjustments required to compete consistently at the international level — an approach that should serve her well as she prepares for the rigors of US collegiate tennis.

     

    Madis’ rise has been fueled by a breakout 2025 campaign that firmly established her as one of the country’s elite young players. She captured the Gentry Open Women’s Singles title and claimed top honors at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship, showcasing both her composure and competitive edge in high-stakes matches. On the regional stage, she further strengthened her credentials by earning two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand — a performance that demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure against Southeast Asia’s best.

     

    Now, as she prepares to test herself in the United States, Madis is fully aware of the level of competition that awaits her. The American collegiate system is known for producing world-class talent, and she anticipates facing players with both professional experience and advanced physical development.

     

    “There is a lot po talaga na mga pro, malalakas and good experienced players po talaga so I need to improve my skills pa po para maka-compete,” she added.

     

    The move to Hawaii represents more than just a change of scenery — it marks a crucial phase in Madis’ development. With access to world-class facilities, structured strength and conditioning programs, and regular high-level match play, she will have the tools needed to sharpen her game and bridge the gap to the sport’s upper tier.

     

    As Philippine tennis continues to search for its next global breakthrough following the trail blazed by Eala, Tennielle Madis is positioning herself as a name to watch. Her blend of talent, humility, and determination suggests that her journey is only just beginning — and the best chapters of her career may still lie ahead.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Tennielle Madis commits with University of Hawai‘i for NCAA Division I

    Tennielle Madis commits with University of Hawai‘i for NCAA Division I

    Tennielle Madis’ tennis journey is about to cross the Pacific.

     

    The 18-year-old Filipina has officially signed with the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, taking her game to the U.S. NCAA Division I stage beginning fall 2026. For a player who has steadily climbed through regional and international competitions, the move signals both progression and possibility.

     

    The Rainbow Wahine made the announcement on Tuesday with a warm welcome that quickly made waves back home.

     

    “Please welcome Tennielle Madis from N’Lang, North Cotabato, Philippines, to the Rainbow Wahine ‘Ohana! She will be joining the ‘Bows in the fall of 2026,” the program posted on Instagram.

     

    For Madis, the opportunity represents more than a scholarship — it’s a turning point.

     

    “It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be part of Hawai’i Women’s Tennis. I’m deeply grateful as I begin this exciting new chapter of my life,” she shared on her Instagram story.

     

    Currently a Grade 12 student completing her studies through homeschooling, Madis has balanced academics with a demanding competitive schedule. That balancing act has included stepping onto bigger stages over the past year.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    She competed in the inaugural WTA 125 Manila tournament as a wild card entry, gaining valuable experience against seasoned international opponents. Although her campaign ended in the round of 32 with a loss to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, the exposure marked an important milestone in her development.

     

    Madis also proved her mettle on the regional stage during the 31st Southeast Asian Games, where she brought home two bronze medals in the women’s doubles and team events — contributions that underscored her ability to perform in multi-nation competition.

     

    Now, she transitions to a new environment where collegiate tennis will test her in different ways: team dynamics, dual matches, and the grind of a Division I schedule.

     

    Hawai‘i is set to open its Big West campaign against Cal State Fullerton, and while Madis’ debut is still months away, her signing already adds an international dimension to the Rainbow Wahine roster. 

     

    For Madis, the move is both continuation and evolution — from representing flag and country in regional meets to carrying school colors in one of the most competitive collegiate systems in the world.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open recently unfolded in Manila, marking a historic milestone for Philippine tennis as the country officially made its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament signaled a major step forward for the sport locally, placing the nation’s capital on the international map by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court, the weeklong competition carried a total prize purse of $115,000 and offered players a valuable opportunity to earn crucial ranking points and gain early-season momentum. The event drew a competitive field that featured a blend of seasoned tour veterans and promising young talents, all eager to test themselves in a high-level international setting.

     

    For rising Filipino standout Tennielle Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open served as a challenging but eye-opening introduction to the WTA 125 stage. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Madis bowed out in the opening round after a 6-4, 6-0 loss to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday, January 26. The match marked the second meeting between the two players, following their previous encounter at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Despite the early exit, the experience proved invaluable for Madis, who relished the opportunity to compete on home soil under the spotlight of an international tournament. Fans packed the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court in droves, creating an electric atmosphere rarely seen at local tennis events and offering a glimpse of what the sport could become with sustained support.

    “We really enjoyed it. We learned a lot here in the WTA. We really did our best for the country and for all the Filipinos who came to support us. It had a huge impact on us, the Filipinos. In my match, all the seats were full. Every Filipino was cheering for us,” Madis said during an appearance on Off the Court.

     

    While the Philippine Women’s Open was widely viewed as a success off the court—both in terms of organization and its impact on the country’s standing within the global WTA scene—the results on court highlighted the challenges that still face local players. Of the Filipino contingent, only teenage sensation Alex Eala managed to advance as far as the semifinal stage, while the rest bowed out in the early rounds against more experienced international opposition.

     

    Madis openly acknowledged the existing gap between Filipino players and their counterparts on the global tour, emphasizing the need for more structured and consistent development programs. She urged the Philippine Tennis Federation to explore the possibility of holding regular training camps in Manila to help local talents elevate their game.

     

    “Maybe having training camps every weekend will encourage more athletes and tennis players to take up the sport. At the end of the day, it’s really about training. We are hoping that tennis will continue to boom and that the sport will keep getting the support it needs,” she added.

     

    Although Madis did not make a deep run in the tournament, analysts noted several encouraging signs in her performance. Her aggressive baseline play, willingness to dictate rallies, and improving court awareness drew praise, even as experts highlighted the importance of greater consistency, endurance, and match toughness when facing seasoned WTA-level opponents.

     

    As the curtain closed on the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the tournament left behind more than just results. It offered a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine tennis—one fueled by growing fan interest, increasing international exposure, and a new generation of players eager to rise to the challenge of the global stage.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • “She can be a good player in the future”: Mananchaya Sawangkaew praises Filipino teenager Tennielle Madis

    “She can be a good player in the future”: Mananchaya Sawangkaew praises Filipino teenager Tennielle Madis

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open is currently underway in Manila, marking a historic milestone for tennis in the country as it makes its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament represents a major step forward for Philippine tennis, placing the nation’s capital firmly on the international stage by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Running until January 31, 2026, the Philippine Women’s Open is being contested on hard courts and features a competitive 32-player singles draw alongside a 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize purse of $115,000, the tournament provides participants a valuable opportunity to earn ranking points and gain essential match experience early in the season. The event has attracted a mix of seasoned tour veterans and emerging talents, all looking to test themselves in an internationally competitive environment while building momentum for the rest of the WTA season.

     

    For rising Filipino star Tennielle Madis, the tournament proved a challenging introduction to the WTA 125 level. In her first-round match at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court on Monday, January 26, Madis fell to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0. This marked the second meeting between the two players, following their encounter at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Despite the loss, Sawangkaew praised Madis for her improvement and resilience on the court.

     

    “I played against her in the SEA Games last time, so this time, she played much better. She improved a lot in her game, and then I can feel that she can be a good player in the future,” Sawangkaew said during a media interaction.

    The Thai player also highlighted the enthusiastic support from Filipino fans and lauded the organizers for staging a professional tournament in Manila.

     

    “It’s a beautiful crowd here and the people come to support Southeast Asia a lot and then also for everyone in this tournament, so it’s good to see everyone to come to support here,” she added.

     

    For Madis, the experience was an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure on the international stage and to measure herself against a higher-ranked, more experienced opponent.

     

    “First of all, it’s an honor to play against Sawangkaew. She is a good and experienced player. All I can say is that it’s a great learning and opportunity for me to play with her,” Madis said.

     

    Though the scoreline did not go in her favor, the match provided Madis with critical insights into the level of play required on the WTA circuit. Analysts noted her aggressive baseline strokes and improving court awareness, but also emphasized the importance of consistency and stamina against seasoned opponents.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open, with its full stands and lively atmosphere, continues to draw attention from fans and players alike, signaling a promising future for tennis in the country. With the tournament running until the end of the month, it remains an important platform for emerging Southeast Asian talent, offering invaluable match experience and a chance to shine on a stage previously unseen in the Philippines.

     

    For Madis, this is only the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful journey in professional tennis—a chance to learn, grow, and one day compete consistently on the global WTA circuit.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.