German Tennis Star Tatjana Maria Applauds Inaugural Philippine Women's Open
German top seed Tatjana Maria has showered praise on the organization and atmosphere of the inaugural Philippine Women's Open, expressing her admiration for both the tournament's execution and the enthusiastic local fans. The world No. 42 shared her positive impressions after securing a hard-fought victory in her opening-round match at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
Tournament Organization Receives Top Marks
Known for her methodical approach both on and off the court, Maria emphasized the exceptional quality of the tournament's management. "It is super nice. I think that everybody agrees with me that the tournament has existed for years. It is so well-organized," stated the German player following her match against French opponent Leolia Jeanjean. She further elaborated on the welcoming environment, noting that "everyone is super kind" and highlighting the renowned Filipino hospitality that has characterized the event.
Enthusiastic Crowd Support Impresses Veteran Player
The 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist also expressed appreciation for the strong turnout of local tennis enthusiasts who have been filling the stands since the WTA 125 event began. "Of course, the crowd has been amazing from the first day. It is full, which is why I think players like me find it nice to play here," Maria remarked about the Filipino audience. The tournament represents the first major undertaking of the National Sports Tourism-Interagency Committee led by Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Patrick "Pato" Gregorio in 2026.
Challenging Match Conditions and Tournament Outlook
Maria's first-round victory didn't come easily, as she needed two hours and twenty-three minutes to overcome Jeanjean in a closely contested match. "I knew it was going to be a tough match because I have played her already a few times. She is a strong player, too," acknowledged the German veteran. She also mentioned the challenging playing conditions, noting the significant humidity that affected both competitors during their extended battle on court.
Making her first visit to Manila, the well-traveled Paris Olympic Games veteran expressed optimism about her prospects in the tournament. Following her opening victory, Maria was scheduled to face Russian opponent Tatiana Prozorova for a quarterfinal berth. Prozorova had advanced after defeating Filipina wild card entry Kaye Ann Emana in straight sets during Tuesday night's action.
The Philippine Women's Open, organized by the Philippine Tennis Association with support from the Philippine Sports Commission, continues to showcase international tennis talent while receiving commendation from participating athletes for its professional execution and vibrant atmosphere.
