Philippine Women's Open: UAAP MVP Kaye Ann Emana falls to Tatiana Prozorova in WTA debut

Kaye Ann Emana came up short against Tatiana Prozorova of Russia, 6-1, 6-0, in the inaugural staging of the Philippine Women’s Open on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Emana, who fought long and hard to make her debut in the main draw of her first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) match, simply could not find enough firepower against the visiting Russian in their rain-delayed encounter after nearly a four-hour wait from its initial schedule.

The 20-year-old netter from University of Santo Tomas took a 40-15 lead in the third game of the opening set, but could not take advantage of her double break point.

She then won one game against Prozorova halfway through the first set to make it 1-4, this time capitalizing on the Russian’s unforced errors.

However, Emana’s inexperience on the world stage showed in their 42-minute showdown as she eventually ran out of steam in the second set.

“Of course, I feel happy. Nakapaglaro ako sa ganitong klase ng tournament. My first WTA event. Masaya ako na nakasali ako sa event. Manalo o matalo alam mo na may matututunan ako sa competition na to,” said Emana during the post-match interview.

(Of course, I feel happy. I was able to play in a tournament like this. My first WTA event. I'm happy I was able to join this event. Win or lose, I know I will learn something from this competition.)

Emana was granted a wild card into the qualifying draw after defeating her UAAP rivals Elizabeth Abarquez and Tiffany Nocos in successive fashion.

Meanwhile, the world No. 174 Prozorova will march into the Round of 16, joining the likes of hometown hero Alex Eala.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News