Filipina tennis player Kaye Emana in action at the Philippine Women's Open. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Former UAAP Most Valuable Player Kaye Emana is hoping to see more opportunities and better platforms for collegiate standouts like her to prosper further in tennis.
While she hopes to see more tennis players replicate the success of World No. 49 Alex Eala, Emana also gave a reality check regarding the struggles she has alongside other locally-based players.
Emana stepped onto a WTA court for the first time, participating in the inaugural Philippine Women's Open, but she absorbed a 1-6, 0-6 loss at the hands of Russian player Tatiana Prozorova in the Round of 32 on Tuesday at a newly refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
"Sana po, laging magka-trainings, seminars. Kasi po, mahirap po talaga lalo na 'pag walang money, walang budget. Tapos, 'pag kayo-kayo lang po, mahirap po talaga mag-improve. Hindi po tulad kay Alex [Eala] na mayroon po silang [Rafael] Nadal Academy," said Emana, airing her side as she and fellow players drew comparisons with Eala.
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"Sana po, lagi po magka-trainings dito po sa Philippines para po may aasahan naman po na manalo po dito sa WTA event," she added.
Emana shared that she checks out comments online, and seen that opinions regarding her and fellow UAAP player Elizabeth Abarquez have been harsh.
"Kasi po, nakikita ko po 'pag may post na may laban 'yung ibang Pilipinas [Filipino athletes], tulad po ni Elsie [Abarquez], nakikita ko po sa comments na [ibang iba] daw po kami kay Alex. Kasi, siyempre po, sana po maisip po nila na may coaching staff po siya na kasama. Kami po, kami lang," she explained.
READ: Tennis: Alex Eala cherishes 'special' win at PH Women's Open
Emana said she's in awe of her opponents' consistency, acknowledging the difference of international players from local Pinoy players.
"Feel ko po 'yung consistency eh. And, hindi po talaga nila binibigay 'yung point. Like, grabe. Nahirapan po talaga ako. 'Yung magaganda ko pong shots, nakukuha pa po niya. Medyo, ayun po. Ta's 'yung palo po nila, mabigat. Consistent po talaga," she said.
Looking forward, the University of Santo Tomas netter is aiming to defend her title in Season 88 in the women's tennis tourney.
"Siyempre po, defending champion. Sana po, maging champion po ulit kami this season. And, siguro, mag-improve pa po ako lalo. 'Yan po 'yung goal ko," said the Season 87 co-MVP.