Donna Vekic hopes to be on the right side of supporters for the Philippine Women's Open after being already subjected to Philippine crowds during her two meetings with Alex Eala
Donna Vekic has become an unexpected fan favorite for Filipino fans after her recent meetings with Philippine tennis darling Alex Eala, already playing each other twice in the early goings of the 2026 WTA season.
Vekic, silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had earlier said that she hoped to be “adopted” by Filipino fans when she plays, marveling at how the country is rallying behind Eala in her matches.
[RELATED: Donna Vekic in awe of support for Alex Eala: ‘There’s so many of you guys’]
Now as she plays in the historic Philippine Women’s Open at the heart of Manila, Vekic is eager to get on the Philippines’ good side when it comes to crowd atmosphere.
“So far, two times [the crowd,] it's been against me and I hope now it will be for me,” Vekic said during a press conference on Monday to start the main draw of thw WTA 125 joust.
Feeling the crowd's energy in prior matches with Eala, Vekic has embraced the added challenge of taking on the fans in the stands whenever she plays.
Known to be a fierce competitor, Vekic adds that the energy of the crowd inspires her to perform well.
“I enjoy when it's a big crowd, good atmosphere. Even if they're not cheering for me, it's nice,” she said.
Hard work needed
But even as tennis begins to rise in the Philippines as fueled by Eala’s success, Vekic knows that ventures like the Philippine Women's Open is just one step in the right direction.
[RELATED: Alex Eala says future of Philippine tennis is a collective effort — 'I'm just one person’]
Asked on what she could advise the country in growing the sport continuously, Vekic highlighted the need to do the dirty work.
“I mean, it's not an easy sport, it's not an easy life, but if you really enjoy it, then keep working hard, surround yourself with good people, and never give up,” she said.
Now, though, Vekic is staying focused on her campaign in the Philippine Women’s Open.
Finding a perfect mix of conditions to meet her goals, the current WTA world no. 72 hopes to make waves when she faces Kyoka Okamura in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, January 27.
“Yeah, I heard that a lot of work has been done the last couple of weeks for all of this to come together [in Manila]. The courts are playing nice,” she said.
“It's very humid, and that usually suits my game, so I'm looking forward to it,” Vekic continued.
Vekic is the fourth seed in the tournament. Meanwhile, hometown bet Eala is the no. 2 seed just behind no. 1 Tatjana Maria.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.