The historic Philippine Women’s Open officially got underway with an all-Filipina matchup featuring two teenage prospects.
Stefi Aludo earned the honor of recording the first-ever victory in the WTA 125 competition after making short work of fellow 19-year-old Nina Alcala, 6-1, 6-0, in the opening round of the qualifiers on Saturday at the center court of the newly renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
At just 17 years old, Aludo has already seen extensive action for the Philippine national team, competing in the Billie Jean King Cup and capturing a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the Southeast Asian Games last December.
That edge in experience proved decisive, as Aludo wrapped up the match in just one hour and one minute.
Despite the impressive win, Aludo will need to raise her level in the next round as she is set to face the top seed of the qualifiers, Japan’s Sakura Hosogi.
The 25-year-old Hosogi is currently ranked No. 298 in the world.
The last Filipino entry in the qualifying rounds, 15-year-old Louraine Jallorina, found herself overmatched against 33-year-old Thai veteran Peangtarn Plipuech.
Plipuech, a gold medalist in mixed doubles and a silver medalist in both women’s doubles and the team event at the most recent SEA Games, cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over the young Filipina.
