UST Tennisters Kaye Emana and Justin Maneja are competing for an entry in the Philippine Women’s Open, the first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 event in the country, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Emana, the UAAP Season 87 MVP, alongside Maneja, challenged the nation’s top players as they competed for national ranking points and a coveted wildcard berth in the WTA 125, which will welcome more than 20 international players from Jan. 26 to 31 at the same venue.
UST head coach Dennis Sta. Cruz sees the qualifying tournament as a valuable platform for his players to build confidence and take advantage of a rare opportunity to play in a WTA-sanctioned competition.
“Of course, it is very important because the chance to compete even in the qualifying round for a WTA event is very special,” Sta. Cruz told the Varsitarian. “Not all tennis players can experience this. Aside from getting preseason games, I’m sure it will also help build up self-confidence.”
Emana bested Joanna Peña, 6-2, 6-1, to secure a spot in the semifinals against top-seeded Tiffany Nocos.
Meanwhile, Maneja was toppled by SEA Games bronze medalist Stefi Aludo, 6-4, 6-0.
Coming off their UAAP Season 87 championship, Sta. Cruz is optimistic that the tournament will provide his squad with a timely boost heading into the Season 88 tennis tilt, which will be held this second term.
“No matter what happens in the qualifying round, like what I always tell them, just do their best and winning will come next,” he said. “The fact that they got invited to participate in the event will bring a positive mindset and a boost in self-esteem in the upcoming UAAP.”
The Philippine Women’s Open pre-qualifying is set to conclude on Jan. 14, while the main draw will begin on Jan. 26.
