Developments in the tennis world.
On Saturday, January 31, the first-ever Philippine Women’s Open (PWO) wrapped up its week-long run with the singles finals event between Colombian player Camila Osorio and Croatian netter Donna Vekic.
The former, who is 24 years old and currently ranked number 84 in the world index, was overwhelmed by her opponent in the first round, which ended 2-6.
However, she was able to find her groove and bounced back in the second set, with a modest lead of 6-3.
In the deciding third set, both were pressed to get the much coveted title of being the first champion of the inaugural WTA 125 tournament in the country. And after three grueling sets, the championship went to Osorio, 7-5.
Aside from the title, the tennis player also brings home a Filipiniana Bolero, trophy, and the USD15,500 (~PHP913,182) cash prize.
To reach the finals, one of the opponents that Osorio needed to pass through was the Philippines’ very own Alex Eala, whom she competed with and won over in the quarterfinals round.
Speaking of the 20-year-old, who is currently ranked 49th globally, is now setting her sights on the Abu Dhabi Open in the United Arab Emirates.
There, she will be competing in the main draw as a wildcard. The matches are due to begin on Sunday, February 1.
Some of the many names present in the WTA500 tournament are the likes of Clara Tauson, Janifce Tjen, Victoria Mboko, and Jelena Ostapenko, who are among the many familiar names to Eala as she competed against them in prior tournaments.
