Kaye Ann Emana eyes more support, opportunities after Philippine Women’s Open debut

Kaye Ann Emana is hoping that support and opportunities will follow her young career after making her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 debut at the Philippine Women’s Open.

This, after Emana got a taste of world-class tennis against Tatiana Prozorova in the Round of 32 that saw her absorb a 6-1, 6-0 defeat on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Though she came up short of a historic win, the reigning UAAP MVP from the University of Santo Tomas is now in pursuit of bigger and more challenging dreams.

“Siyempre gusto ko maging part ng national team. Pero alam ko bago ka makapasok doon mayroon ka pang kailangan patunayan bago ka makuha," Emana said.

"'Yung Australian Open, dream ko rin makapaglaro doon. Pero sa napakita ko sa tournament na 'to, ang layo ko pa."

The young player, though, knows what to do to achieve that.

“I will also train harder. Hindi lang dahil sa paparating na collegiate season. Baka magkaroon pa next year ng WTA event dito sa Manila and gusto kong umangat pa 'yung laro ko kung sakaling may tournament ulit,” she added.

While there has been a few notable Filipino tennis players who had reached the world stage in the past, Alex Eala brought mainstream success to the Philippines by making an appearance in all four Grand Slams, having recently completed the conquest at the 2026 Australian Open main draw.

Currently ranked 49th in the world, Eala forged her own path towards the grandest stages of tennis after training at the Rafa Nadal Academy since she was 13 years old before launching her professional career.

Emana understands that the path taken by Eala is what sets her apart from her fellow Filipino players at the moment.

The 20-year-old, though, hopes for Philippine tennis to evolve and open opportunities for many other aspiring athletes like herself.

“Sana magkaroon ng training programs, seminars dito. Mahirap kasi lalo na walang money, budget. Mahirap mag-improve to the highest level. Hindi tulad kay Alex, she went to Rafa Nadal Academy. Wala kaming coaching staff na kasama. Kami [we’re on our own]. Nakikita ko yung comments sa social media. Sana maisip din yun ng mga tao na walang tumutulong sa amin,” she said.

Even then, Emana is armed with important lessons as she competes in the UAAP Season 88—having learned how consistency is achieved at the highest level.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News