Former Philippine tennis standout and pioneer Marissa Sanchez died on January 4, 2026, at the age of 69 due to heart-related illness, prompting tributes from the local tennis community.

Sanchez, whose full name is Maria Socorro “Marissa” Sanchez, was a trailblazer of Philippine women’s tennis. She rose to national prominence in the 1970s, becoming the country’s No. 1 female player after winning both the National Open and the Philippine Tennis Association Open in 1975.

She made history in 1977 by winning the Philippines’ first-ever tennis medal at the Southeast Asian Games, achieving a milestone at a time when the sport was largely male-dominated.

News of her passing was shared by her nephew, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Civilian Security and former Consul General Elmer Cato, in a Facebook post on the evening of January 4.

Cato described Sanchez as a source of pride for the Sanchez Ayuyao clan of Angeles City and Magalang, Pampanga, and highlighted her role in elevating Philippine tennis on both the regional and international stage.

He noted that she was among the first Filipina players to represent the country in overseas competitions, including the Federation Cup.

In 1978, Sanchez helped lead the national women’s team to a rare appearance in the main draw of the Federation Cup, competing against some of the world’s top players.

After retiring from professional tennis in the 1980s, she continued her involvement in the sport as a sought-after coach in Angeles City, where she began playing tennis at age 12 at the then-Holy Angel College. She also served as sports consultant to Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan from 2010 to 2019.

“Long before Alex Eala, there was Marissa Dizon Sanchez who brought prestige and honor to the Philippines,” Cato wrote, underscoring her lasting legacy in Philippine tennis.

Sanchez passed away in Angeles City. Her family has asked the public to join them in praying for the eternal repose of her soul.