ENDING Alex Eala’s dream run in front of her home crowd was no easy assignment, but Colombia’s Camila Osorio was up for the challenge.
Trading heavy groundstrokes under a charged atmosphere, the WTA no. 84 showed no mercy on court, pushing the Filipina until the tank ran dry in a 6-4, 6-4 victory on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Off it, however, Osorio made it clear that this was simply competition.
READ: Alex Eala serves up inspiration as home campaign comes to an end
The 24-year-old had nothing but kind words for Manila’s muse, whose presence helped fuel the Philippines’ inaugural hosting of a WTA125 tournament.
Though it was their first time meeting across the net, Osorio and Eala were far from strangers on tour.
“I know her from the tour and she’s one of the most bubbly girls I know that for sure. Even her family they're very nice, that’s why I can tell she’s nice, the way they raised her, she's a very kind person and bubbly and always smiling its always good to see that on tour and I hope we can grow a relationship outside of the court,” Osorio said.
It was not just Eala who left an impression. Osorio shared how the Philippines in itself, its people, culture, and energy, felt familiar.
A certified homecourt specialist, Osorio captured all three of her WTA titles in Bogota, including back-to-back triumphs in 2024 and 2025.
In Manila, she truly felt close to home.
“Manila is really close with what we have in Colombia, I feel like I’m at home,” she bared.
“The passion, both passionate when it comes to supporting our people. I love playing back home because the energy is crazy that’s why I think its very similar to this," she continued.
"Nice to see how you guys support Alex that’s why it makes me want to go back to Colombia. You know how you play in front of family and friends. Even outside, you go out and everyone’s friendly.”
READ: Alex Eala title bid in home Open ended by Osorio in quarterfinals
However, one contrast she noted was the 'youthfulness' of the Philippine tennis scene.
While Eala alone currently carries the flag on tour, Osorio benefits from a growing Colombian contingent that includes Emiliana Arango on the WTA side and ATP standouts Daniel Galan and Nicolas Mejia.
Having taken those steps herself, Osorio offered a message to the country’s aspiring players.
“There’s going to be a lot of sacrifices to fulfill your dreams. Just keep working hard and do everything for it. I had to leave my country to be at this level,” she said.
She also praised the tournament organizers, expressing hope for an even bigger stage in the future.
“It didn’t feel like it’s a 125. If they make a bigger tournament, 100%, I will return,” she said.
Fresh off her win over Eala, Osorio now advances to the semifinals, where she will face Argentina’s Solana Sierra.
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