Croatia have great athletes like Toni Kokuc of the Chicago Bulls. However, at the rate things are happening, it seems that Donna Vekic will become a naturalized Filipina after the WTA125 tour in Manila.— Netizen George V. Chiongson
Filipino tennis fans now look to hardcourt favorite Croatian netter Donna Vekić to somehow ease their disappointment over their idol Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala’s exit in the penultimate stage of the first-ever Philippine Women’s Open at the newly renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
After turning back a persistent Tatiana Prozorova, 6-2, 6-4, in a grueling match with the Russian, Vekić—’Tita Donna’ as most Pinoys call her now—faces today spitfirish Colombian rival Camila Osorio who eliminated Eala in the quarterfinals.
In comparison, Vekić lost twice to Eala but the Filipina rising star fell to Osorio’s relentless attacks, 6-4, 6-4—despite strong opposition from the 20-year-old—before finishing off Argentina’s Solana Sierra, 6-0, 6-1, in a dominant 46-minute semifinal duel.
In nostalgic consideration, for Vekić to complete the full week at the Philippine Women’s Open marks a wish fulfilled.
“I’ve been feeling very good since we got here. The tournament organization has been amazing and the crowd and atmosphere have been incredible,” the Croatian enthused, adding that she and her coach also managed to do a little shopping.
“So we’ve had a good time for sure. I said at the beginning I hoped I could stay here the whole week and it came through. I’m really, really happy with the week.”
On the other hand, Osorio is bracing for a tough test against the 29-year-old Vekić even as she will be depending on her strong two-handed backhand to get past her championship foe.
“Well, it’s definitely going to be a challenge. I’ve played her before in the past and I know she’s a very aggressive player,” the world’s no. 84 cited.
Actually, the two had previously met in the Cincinnati Masters in 2022 where Vekic won the face off, 7-6, 6-3.
“She likes to stay on top of the ball and take time away from you, so I’ve got to be ready for that. I’ll try to make it really physical because I like playing longer rallies, and I think that will work better for me,” the Colombian pointed out.
Osorio has three career titles, with her latest coming in April last year, while Vekic owns four Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) titles, most recently at the 2023 Monterrey Open.
* * *
YOUR comments and suggestions are most welcome, please message me through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256. Thank you for your support and mabuhay!
