The Philippine Women’s Open, the country’s first-ever WTA tournament, offered more than just another stage for rising stars — it provided a rare opportunity for local talents to experience world-class competition firsthand.
Collegiate standouts and former UAAP champions Elsie Abarquez and Rovie Baulete welcomed the chance to test themselves against seasoned athletes, cherishing the opportunity to represent both their families and the country.
“Sobrang saya ko po kasi naka-experience ako ng ganito kalaking tournament. Hindi ko po akalain talaga na makakasali sa ganito kasi nga, wala naman akong experience maglaro sa ibang bansa. Puro Pinoy lang po nakakalaban ko, kaya sobrang saya ko lang po,” Baulete shared.
“Grateful po ako kasi pinalaro po kami at dito rin sa Philippines,” added Abarquez, who competed in both the singles and doubles draws.
Facing international opponents also offered valuable lessons that will strengthen their game for the upcoming UAAP season. Baulete explained, “Natutunan ko pong kailangang mahaba ‘yung pasensya mo doon kasi ‘yung bola po talaga nila, sobrang bigat po. Kasi nga po first time ko po maka-experience ng gano’ng bola.”
For National University, ceding the crown to the University of Santo Tomas was a tough blow, ending their hopes of extending their dynasty. But the Lady Bulldogs are ready to start fresh, with Baulete and Abarquez determined to make the most of their final year.
“Yung pagsali ko po talaga dito, wala po akong training kasi galing pa po akong probinsya. Yung pagdating ko lang po dito sa Manila ‘yung balik ko ng training; tapos nasali po ako rito. Para sa UAAP po, mag-training pa po ako, para sa team na rin po kasi gusto naming bumawi po talaga sa UAAP,” said the 23-year-old Baulete.
“Sipag lang din po kasi siyempre, last season ko na, kaya mag-training po nang maigi para makabawi,” Abarquez added.
With the success of the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, both players are motivated to return in future editions, armed with a clearer understanding of where they stand and how to improve.
“Siyempre po namotivate po ako mag-practice. Siyempre po gusto ko pa pong sumali ulit ng ganito kasi ang ganda po. Gusto ko pong mag-practice nang maigi para next year ulit hindi lang first round,” Abarquez shared.
