MANILA, Philippines — Colombian netter Camila Osorio said her journey towards winning the inaugural Philippine Women's Open (PWO) is like a fairy tale coming true.
Fifth seed Osorio defeated fourth seed Croatian Donna Vekic in a 2-hour and 31-minute final, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Saturday evening.
"It's really important to me because it's the first time I won a tournament on a hard court outside of my home and stuff. So it's very, very important," said Osorio.
"I had a tough start to the year. So, you know, winning these matches means a lot to me. And obviously, also being my first time here, it's like, it's unreal and basically a fairy tale for me."
Osorio started the year roughly, indeed.
The world no. 84 suffered first round exits at the ASB Classic, Hobart International, and Australian Open before finally breaking through in Manila.
Osorio battled back from a set down and 3-4 in the third set where she also trailed, 15-40, in the eighth game.
The 24-year-old strung four straight points to steal the game from Vekic, feeling like she turned things around.
"I hit a forehand cross court winner and I was like, I'm back in. So I think that gave me confidence. I was just like, okay, like she had the chances, but I'm also here playing," said Osorio.
"I was just telling myself, move your legs, do the things, do the right things. And it kept me going and going and going. And then when I had the break and it's 4-all, I was like, this is mine."
Meanwhile, Osorio praised the Philippine hosting of the tournament, saying the organizers made it with love.
"The whole week, the tournament has been really, really good.
I got nothing to say other than congrats. Congrats for hosting this beautiful tournament. Thank you for making it possible for every single person that organized it," said Osorio.
"It was really nice. You can tell they made it with love, which is very nice to see. Also to you guys for being here, you know, you also make it really special. So thank you for that. And nothing, I mean, if there is something they can improve next year, to make it bigger, I would say."