India’s Digvijay Pratap Singh banners the men’s singles main draw in the Palawan Open, which kicks off at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila on Sunday (May 24, 2026). He is currently No. 551 (singles) and No. 1785 (doubles) in the ATP rankings. (Contributed photo)
India’s Digvijay Pratap Singh headlines the men’s singles main draw of the Palawan Open, which serves off Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila, with top local and international talents eyeing glory in the PHP2-million tournament.
The 25-year-old Indian standout enters the competition as the top seed, carrying momentum from a quarterfinal finish at the ITF M15 tournament in Ahmedabad, India earlier this year. Currently ranked No. 551 in the ATP standings, Singh opens his campaign against Ethan Cablitas in a highly anticipated first-round showdown.
Filipino contenders are also set for pivotal opening assignments as second seed Alberto Lim Jr. squares off against Adrian Cagitla, while third seed Eric Olivarez Jr. — fresh from a quarterfinal appearance at the ITF M15 in Luan, China — battles Raphael Villanueva.
American Christopher Papa, the tournament’s fourth seed and a doubles specialist who once climbed to a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 446, takes on Isaac Lim. Meanwhile, India’s Aggarwal Parth, seeded fifth, faces Joshua Ferrer.
The local challenge remains strong, with seasoned campaigners and rising stars expected to make noise in the tournament. Asian Games veteran Casey Alcantara leads the Philippine contingent alongside John Benedict Aguilar, Nilo Ledama, Vicente Anasta, Arthur Pantino, John Kendrick Bona, Ronard Joven, Jarell Edangga, Lance Fernandez, Noel Salupado, and Loucas Fernandez.
Action in the women’s singles category begins Monday, with top seed Tennielle Madis opening against Althea Azores. Second seed Steffi Aludo faces a qualifier, while Tiffany Nocos, seeded third, takes on Annika Diwa. Fourth seed Kaye-Ann Emana battles Amygray Olao.
Tournament organizers underscored the event’s role in elevating Philippine tennis by giving local athletes valuable exposure against elite-level competition.
“This tournament represents a vital investment in the future of Philippine tennis,” said Palawan Group of Companies founder and chairman Bobby Castro.
“Our goal is to provide local players with steady, high-level competition right here at home, expose them to world-class talent, and motivate the next generation of Filipino champions,” he added.
Beyond prestige, players will also compete for a lucrative prize pool. The men’s singles champion will pocket PHP300,000, while the runner-up earns PHP150,000. Losing semifinalists will receive PHP100,000 each, while the women’s singles champion takes home PHP100,000.
With established veterans, emerging talents, and international contenders converging in Manila, the Palawan Open is shaping up to be a crucial proving ground for players chasing momentum and bigger opportunities on the tennis circuit.