Seventh-seed Stefi Aludo triumphed in a gripping semifinal match against second seed Aoi Watanabe of Japan, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the J60 PHINMA-ITF Championships held yesterday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.
The match was a fierce three-and-a-half-hour battle on the clay courts, with Aludo demonstrating solid ground strokes and effectively hitting the ball to the corners of the court. Watanabe, known for her aggressive play, particularly excelled in her returns.
After erasing a 2-4 deficit in the second set, Watanabe forced a decisive third set, quickly taking a 4-2 lead. However, Aludo responded with determination, staging a comeback that culminated in her victory. She celebrated by falling onto her back as she was cheered on by enthusiastic Filipino fans.
Aludo, a scholar at the Philippine Tennis Academy in Alabang, will face third seed Yesung Choo from Korea in the finals.
In doubles action, the Philippines also advanced to the finals, with Aludo and partner Tennielle Madis defeating the top-seeded duo of Watanabe and Choo, 6-4, 6-2. The Filipino pair will compete against the second seeds Yuhan Chen of China and Yu-Ning Tsai of Chinese Taipei in the finals.