Camila Osorio calls Philippine Women’s Open victory a ‘fairy tale’

Colombia’s Camila Osorio had a fulfilling week in Manila as she ruled the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open.

According to Osorio, the title run marked several milestones in her career.

“It’s really important to me because it's the first time I won a tournament on hard court and outside of my home and stuff so it's very, very important,” Osorio said after her 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the finals.

“Obviously, I had a tough beginning at the start of the year so winning this match means a lot to me. Also being the first time here, it's unreal and basically a fairytale for me.”

Osorio overcame a slow start, calmly claiming each crucial point on her way to the title.

“I don't know if you can notice but in the last game, I was just trying to smile and I was like ‘Listen, this is what I’ve been working for,’ so if I don't enjoy it, what's the point?

"Imagine being there, obviously [there’s] pressure I was just like come on, come on, you got it, this is what you wanted, this is what you work for and I think that's that was the key for me just to stay very, very positive," she said.

Adding to the triumph was an enjoyable week in Manila.

“I feel very welcome here,” Osorio said on Thursday.

“Since the first day I get here and they're like whatever you need you can get. You just get here and you feel very welcome, very warm. The facility is very nice. The hotel is very nice. The food is also unreal…It's like a bigger tournament if I'm honest.

“I could come here and say lies but I'm being completely honest with you. It's very nice and as I said before if they can make it a bigger tournament I will come 100%.”

For Osorio, being in the Philippines also felt like being at home.

“It’s just so similar. You go outside, and you guys are always friendly. You're talking. It's really close like in Colombia.

“I feel like I'm home.”

Osorio earned 125 ranking points and prize money of $15,500. 

In the doubles, the pair of Eudice Chong (Hong Kong) and En-Shuo Liang (Chinese Taipei) defeated Americans Quinn Gleason and Sabrina Santamaria, 2-6, 7-6(2), 10-6, on Saturday.

—GMA Integrated News