Ask and you shall receive, Donna Vekić.
The Paris Olympics silver medalist is through to the Round of 16 in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open after besting Japan’s Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-2, in the Round of 32 on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Notably, the Croatian sensation got what she wished for a few weeks back: love from Filipino fans.
“Every time, I feel like we’re playing in the center of the Philippines,” Vekić said of the support Alex Eala gets from Filipino fans after she lost to the Filipina ace at the Kooyong Classic. “There’s so many of you guys out there! There’s not even 1% as many Croatians as there are Filipinos here… But maybe they’ll adopt me and support me in the Australian Open.”
This, of course, isn’t the Australian Open, but Vekić seems to have won over the hearts of Filipinos as they cheered her like she was one of their own in her match against Okamura.
“I’m really happy to be here. Thank you so much guys for coming out tonight. Your support has been great and hopefully you’ll cheer for me tomorrow as well,” said Vekić in her postmatch interview immediately after disposing of Okamura.
‘I Will Definitely Come Back’ – Vekić
It appears the love is mutual. In her press conference on Monday, Vekić shared to the media that she has always wanted to visit the Philippines in the past—but as a tourist and not a player.
“I mean its great to see new tournaments, coming in new countries, and its my first time in the Philippines,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to come and visit as a tourist, and I will definitely come back eventually.”
The 29-year-old Croatian is well-travelled as she has played in various WTA tournaments and in all four Grand Slams like Eala. In fact, Vekić is widely regarded as among the better players in the women’s division of tennis, and she’s got only nice things to say about the Philippines, Eala, the fans, and the local tennis scene in general.
“Its great to see tennis, especially women’s tennis, being played here and hopefully it becomes an even bigger tournament in the future,” she added.
All Love for the Passionate Filipino Crowd
Vekić was also asked on Monday about playing in front of a loud, passionate Filipino crowd, and, according to her, she’s hardly fazed by it.
“Yes, and so far two times has been against me. I hope now it will be for me until I play Alex,” she said. “I enjoy when it’s a big crowd. It’s a good atmosphere even if they’re not cheering for me. It’s nice.”
The Croatian ace has faced off with Eala twice this year already, losing both times. The first time they met was in the Round of 32 of the 2026 WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. The second time was in an exhibition game at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Australia.
A third time could happen soon if both Eala and Vekić take care of business.
