Colombia’s Camila Osorio was nearly flawless in dispatching Argentina’s Solana Sierra, 6-0, 6-1, in semifinal action at the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open on Friday. With the win, Osorio booked a ticket to the finals, where she’ll go up against crowd favorite Donna Vekić of Croatia.
Inspired by Manny Pacquiao Quote
After the match, the world No. 84 shared with the media how a quote from Philippine sporting legend Manny Pacquiao has kept her motivated throughout her stint here in the Philippines.
“I saw a quote from Manny Pacquiao, it’s up there in the gym that says ‘It’s about the performance, not about the feelings,’ which is very good,” Osorio said. “Sometimes you’re nervous, sometimes you’re good, and you still have to perform.”
Osorio has certainly performed quite well in the Philippine Women’s Open, even sending home hometown bet Alex Eala in the quarterfinals with a steely victory in front of a passionate pro-Eala crowd.
“I feel like I’ve been very calm and composed the whole week, and I think that’s the key for me for the past four matches,” Osorio added. “I was very focused on what I had to do instead of, like, results or pressure or anything.”
The Colombian bet will need to focus one final time as she goes for the title against the Croatian sensation.
Revenge or Repeat?
Osorio and Vekić have met once before, with the latter beating the former, 7-6, 6-3, in the qualifying round of the 2022 Cincinnati Masters. Naturally, the Colombian is excited for their next face-off—but wary at the same time.
“I’m really excited for what’s coming tomorrow,” Osorio acknowledged. “It’s going to be for sure a challenge. I’ve played with her in the past. She’s a very aggressive player. She likes to be on top of the ball every single time and will take away the ball from you, so I’ve got to be ready for that.”
Now, the question is, what can Osorio do to get revenge and prevent a repeat victory for Vekić? For Eala’s conqueror, the key is being smart.
“If I’m smart on court, that will get me a good result,” she pointed out.
The battle for the championship of the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open takes place later today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center at 4:00 p.m.
