Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic in action at the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Donna Vekic was among the tennis players who had to endure a delay of the schedule in the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open due to rainy weather on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The matches scheduled for 2 p.m. were played at around 5 o'clock in the afternoon when the rain finally subsided.
Vekic did not let the delay slow her down, decisively defeating Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the Round of 16 of the tourney.
She relaxed by doing a pedicure while watching the Australian Open, but remained focused on her goal today—to win.
"It was a long wait today, but I was watching some tennis in Australia. I had a pedicure, I was eating some food and talking to some friends, trying to stay relaxed but focused," said Vekic.
READ: What Filipina tennis players learned from the Philippine Women's Open
She is earning recognition from her Filipino fans—and today is no different. As the Croatian player soaks in the love of her newly-found supporters, she hopes to play up until the end of the week.
"It's very nice. I feel very welcomed, and hopefully I can stay here the whole week because it's really a big pleasure playing in front of them," said the 29-year-old netter.
Every time Vekic scores against Okamura, she was greeted by cheers from the home crowd; and she was also nice enough to return them with a smile.
"It was great to play today. The crowd was amazing, and it was a good match, so I'm really happy with the performance."