The 2025 Merida Open is the next WTA 500 tournament to be played, and the prize money and ranking points have been released.
Last year's tournament in Merida occurred during the final week of regulation tournaments before the 2024 WTA Finals. It was a WTA 250 event but has been upgraded to 500 status after a successful 2024 edition.
Although there were not many high-profile players in last year's draw, the crowds at the tournament were still superb. That dedication from the fans was probably the most decisive reason for the event being upgraded.
Paula Badosa, who came close to quitting tennis last year, Emma Navarro, Donna Vekic, and Sloane Stephens are among the players who have committed to playing in the tournament, which starts on February 24th.
The 2025 ATX Open in Austin will occur simultaneously. However, the Merida Open's WTA 500 status means its prize money is significantly more lucrative than the event in Texas. $1,064,510 will be distributed at the tournament.
This year's 2025 Merida Open champion will receive $164,000 and 500 ranking points. Zeynep Sonmez won last year's title, but a higher-ranked player is far more likely to lift the 2025 trophy because of the better entry list and 500 status for the event.
Ann Li finished runner-up at the 2024 Merida Open. She has had an excellent start to this season, beating Stephens twice and reaching the final of the Singapore Open, where she lost to the experienced Elise Mertens.
The runner-up at the 2025 Merida Open will also collect a six-figure sum, $101,000, as well as 325 ranking points. That could make a significant difference to the ranking of many players on the entry list
The strength of the entry list for this year's Merida Open means that two excellent players could lose in the semifinal. Whichever women fall at that stage will earn $59,000 and 195 ranking points for their efforts.
Four players will lose in the quarterfinals. All the players need two victories to advance to the next round, except the top four seeds, who receive byes in the opening round.
Those women are set to collect $28,695 and 108 ranking points. Navarro, who lost to Iga Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal, is currently expected to be the No. 1 seed and hopes to advance beyond the quarterfinals.
Progressing past the opening round of the Merida Open guarantees players at least $15,700 and 60 ranking points. Those who lose in the opening round receive one ranking point and $11,300.
Although the Merida Open is scheduled after back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai, it has still attracted some great players who are likely to produce superb tennis in Mexico.
The fans in Merida provided outstanding support when the WTA 250 event lacked star quality. One can only imagine how good it will be when they are watching players near the top of women's tennis battle it out.
2025 Merida Open WTA Prize Money & Points Overview:
| Points | Prize Money | |
| Winner | 500 points | $164,000 |
| Finalist | 325 points | $101,000 |
| Semi-finalists | 195 points | $59,000 |
| Quarter-finalists | 108 points | $28,695 |
| 2nd round | 60 points | $15,700 |
| 1st round | 1 point | $11,300 |
