Former UAAP MVP Kaye Ann Emana calls on Philippine tennis authorities to help young players

Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) tennis standout Kaye Ann Emana officially made her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) debut in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, marking a significant milestone in her budding career.

The 22-year-old, who rose to prominence as a collegiate star and UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), faced a steep challenge against Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova in a rain-delayed round of 32 match on Tuesday, January 27. Emana ultimately fell 1-6, 0-6, a scoreline that, while harsh, underscored the level of competition in an international tournament.

Despite the setback, Emana expressed gratitude for the experience of competing on the WTA stage, seeing it as a valuable learning opportunity.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“Of course, I’m happy. I got the chance to play in a tournament like this—it’s international, so I’m really grateful just to be part of it. My mindset was to simply enjoy the game. Whether I win or lose, I know I will learn something. It’s just more intense now because I’m competing against international players,” she said in a media interaction.

Emana’s appearance at the Philippine Women’s Open highlights both the opportunities and challenges for Filipino tennis players aspiring to compete internationally. Following her maiden international experience, she called on the Philippine tennis authorities to provide more structured support for local and collegiate athletes. She noted that not all young players have access to high-level training or resources like those available to top stars such as Alex Eala.

HEAD HELD HIGH 🎾✨

Kaye Emana remains grateful as she reflects on her Round of 32 exit to Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova at the #PhilippineWomensOpen while sharing her wishes heading into the UAAP Season 88 tennis tournament. | via LJ Abadinas, Luisa Morales#OSOnTheSpot pic.twitter.com/py7Yyji9Zy

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 27, 2026

“Sana po, laging magka-trainings, seminars. Kasi po, mahirap po talaga lalo na ‘pag walang money, walang budget. Tapos, ‘pag kayo-kayo lang po, mahirap po talaga mag-improve. Hindi po tulad kay Alex Eala na mayroon po silang Rafael Nadal Academy. Sana po, lagi po magka-trainings dito po sa Philippines para po may aasahan naman po na manalo po dito sa WTA event,” Emana said.

In addition to her singles debut, Emana also competed in the doubles event alongside Justine Hannah Maneja, but the duo was stopped in straight sets, losing 2-6, 2-6 to Nicole Fossa Huergo and Darja Semenstaja.

While Filipino fans have celebrated Eala’s early international success, other homegrown talents such as Elizabeth Abarquez, Emana herself, and Tenny Padis are still working to make their mark, which has sometimes drawn online criticism from local supporters. Emana reflected on the challenges that come with being compared to peers who have access to world-class coaching and facilities.

“Kasi po, nakikita ko po ‘pag may post na may laban ‘yung ibang Filipino athletes, tulad po ni Elsie Abarquez, nakikita ko po sa comments na ibang iba daw po kami kay Alex. Kasi, siyempre po, sana po maisip po nila na may coaching staff po siya na kasama. Kami po, kami lang,” she said.

Despite the hurdles, Emana remains focused on the next phase of her career, particularly defending her UAAP women’s tennis title in Season 88, set to begin this February. The experience gained from competing against international players has become a cornerstone of her preparation and motivation.

“Siyempre po, defending champion. Sana po, maging champion po ulit kami this season. And, siguro, mag-improve pa po ako lalo. ‘Yan po ‘yung goal ko,” Emana concluded.

For Emana, the Philippine Women’s Open was more than a debut—it was a stepping stone in a journey that seeks to elevate Filipino tennis on both the national and international stages. While the results were challenging, the experience highlighted the potential of homegrown talent and the importance of consistent support and development programs to nurture the next generation of champions.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.