Colombian Camila Osorio Crowned First Philippine Women's Open Champion
In a historic moment for Philippine tennis, Camila Osorio of Colombia emerged victorious as the first-ever champion of the Philippine Women's Open. The thrilling final took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, where Osorio overcame Croatian opponent Donna Vekic in a hard-fought three-set battle, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.
A Slow Start and Dramatic Comeback
The match, broadcast live via One Sports, began with Osorio struggling to find her rhythm in the opening set. Unforced errors plagued her performance, allowing Vekic to seize control and comfortably take the set 6-2. However, the Colombian star demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back with renewed vigor in the second set.
Osorio unleashed a series of sharp and steady backhand smashes, effectively swinging the momentum in her favor. Her aggressive play paid off as she leveled the match by winning the second set 6-3, setting the stage for a tense decider.
Nail-Biting Final Set and Championship Point
Both players exhibited strong composure and skill in the deciding set, with the score tightly contested and eventually tied at 5-5. In a crucial moment, Osorio broke Vekic's serve in the 12th game, clinching the set 7-5 and sealing her victory against the world number 72. This triumph marks a significant achievement for Osorio, who is currently ranked 82nd in the world.
Osorio's Emotional Victory Speech
In her post-match speech, an elated Osorio expressed her overwhelming joy and gratitude for the experience. "I have no words to describe how I am feeling right now. I am super-super happy and honored to be in the Philippines for the first time. It's been such a pleasure to play here," she said.
She also took a moment to acknowledge her opponent, extending respect to Vekic and her team. "I wish you all the best, to you and to your team. And I hope we can play many more times in the future," Osorio added, highlighting the sportsmanship that defined the tournament.
Warm Reception from Filipino Fans
Osorio was particularly moved by the enthusiastic support from local spectators throughout the event. "It's been an unreal week for all of us. How you treat us, guys -- it's unreal, and I hope to come back in the future," she remarked, praising the warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere that characterized her stay in the country.
Path to the Championship
Earlier in the tournament, Osorio showcased her formidable skills by defeating Filipina tennis star Alex Eala in the quarterfinal round with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This victory underscored her consistent performance and determination on the court, paving the way for her ultimate championship win.
About the Philippine Women's Open
The Philippine Women's Open is a prestigious Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournament, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association. This inaugural event not only highlights the growing prominence of tennis in the Philippines but also serves as a platform for international athletes to compete and connect with local fans.
