After their early exits in the Philippine Women’s Open, netters Tennielle Madis and Stefi Aludo are clamoring for training camps to stay sharp for future competitions.
The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bronze medalists shared in an episode of Off the Court, the weekly online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE last Thursday, that they want more camps, even within Metro Manila, to supplement their usual regimen of six days a week of training.
Madis and Aludo suffered a 2-6, 2-6 loss to the Japanese duo of Kanako Morisaki and Manu Ayukawa in the Round of 16 of the women’s doubles last Wednesday.
“We just started competing in the WTA and we need to have more camps here,” said Aludo, who lost to Sakura Hosogi, 1-6, 2-6, in the second qualifying round.
“At first, I was surprised by the way she played. She’s an experienced player and she doesn’t give up easily.”
Madis, who lost to SEA Games silver medalist Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand, is on the same page with her doubles partners, believing that more exposure will help boost the sport’s popularity.
“Maybe having training camps every weekend will encourage more athletes and tennis players to take up the sport. At the end of the day, it’s really about training,” Madis said.
“We’re hoping that tennis will continue to boom and that the sport will keep getting the support it needs.”
Filipina tennis players not named Alex Eala saw their WTA debut end early, showing the gap between them and world-class stars.
Even Eala, ranked No. 49 in the Women’s Tennis Association, admitted she could only do so much in her current position and hopes the Philippine Women’s Open is a step forward for local tennis.
Eala lost to Camila Osorio of Colombia, 4-6, 4-6, in the quarterfinal of this prestigious WTA 125 competition backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association.
“My way of giving back to the Filipinos is by working hard and doing my best that I can on the circuit. I think, in my opinion or as I’ve heard from other people, I like to think that I’ve had something to do with this tournament coming alive,” Eala said.
“The fact that this tournament is happening is a huge thing for local players. I think that’s an example of me doing my part. And of course, hopefully, as I get better and as I get older, maybe I’ll make further steps.”