BEING on the other side of the court playing Alex Eala comes with unique challenges, especially with the size and the rabidness of the crowd the Filipina draws.
Croatian star Donna Vekic isn’t complaining.
The 29-year-old faced the Filipina rising star at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, bowing out in the round of 32 after a thriller. Still, Vekic took it all in stride.
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In a post-match interview, she acknowledged the lively fans in the bleachers of mostly Filipino migrants supporting Eala and said: “Maybe you can adopt me.”
That moment struck a chord. In front of both live and online audiences, Filipino fans embraced Vekic’s energy, quickly making her one of the highly anticipated names set to play in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open.
True enough, by month’s end, Vekic signed up for the historic tournament, setting herself up for another run in front of a passionate Pinoy crowd.
“Support for [Alex] have been absolutely insane, and I said, ‘Maybe you guys will adopt me’ and I definitely feel you have,” Vekic said during Monday’s mini press conference at Rizal Memorial Stadium, a day before her opening match.
“It’s really nice, [support] is one of the reasons why I decided to come here, I’ve been really enjoying here so far,” she added.
Off the court, Vekic and the 20-year-old Filipinas rising star haven’t exactly had much time together — but the veteran already has a soft spot for Eala.
“Ive played her two times, lost two times, I think she has a good relationship with me, I don’t know her that well but she seems like a really sweet girl,” Vekic said.
Vekic also shared she’s enjoying the weather and the overall atmosphere in Manila.
“A lot of work has been done, courts are nice, very humid, that suits my game so I’m looking forward [to playing]. Its great to see new tournaments coming into new countries, Ive been wanting to come and visit as a tourist, I will come back eventually.”
The world No. 72 will open against Japan's Kyoka OKamura on Tuesday.
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