Rain delays, pedicures, and cheers: ‘Adopted Filipina’ Donna Vekic soaks in Manila

Before Donna Vekic even struck a ball on Tuesday, Manila had already tested her patience—and won her over.

Rain clouds hovered over the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, pushing the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open schedule back by several hours. Instead of stressing, Vekic leaned into the delay the way a seasoned traveler would, turning unexpected downtime into a moment to relax and reset.

“It was a long wait today, but I was watching some tennis in Australia. I had a pedicure, I was eating some food and talking to some friends, trying to stay relaxed but focused,” Vekic shared with a laugh.

When the skies finally cleared, so did any doubt about her readiness. The Croatian breezed past Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-2, setting up a Round of 16 appearance—but the win felt like only part of the story.

By then, Vekic had fully embraced her unofficial new role as Manila’s “adopted Filipina.”

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So much fun at center court with the crowd going wild for “adopted Filipina” Donna Vekic after her win

PWO / PHILTA pic.twitter.com/3JVl1KFWab

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) January 27, 2026

Each point she won was greeted by cheers usually reserved for homegrown favorites, and Vekic made sure to return the energy—smiling, acknowledging the crowd, and clearly enjoying the moment.

“It’s very nice. I feel very welcomed, and hopefully I can stay here the whole week because it’s really a big pleasure playing in front of them,” said the 29-year-old.

Her warm reception isn’t entirely surprising. Earlier this season, Vekic crossed paths with Filipina star Alex Eala at the WTA ASB Classic and the Kooyong Classic, matches that introduced her to the passion of Filipino tennis fans. During Eala’s Australian run, Vekic jokingly expressed hope that the same fans would “adopt” her too.

In Manila, that wish seems to have come true.

“It was great to play today. The crowd was amazing, and it was a good match, so I’m really happy with the performance,” she added.

As Vekic gears up for her next match at the Philippine Women’s Open against Mariia Tkacheva, she does so not just as a visiting contender, but as a player clearly enjoying the city, the crowd, and the unexpected comforts—rain delays, pedicures, and all—that come with tournament life in Manila.

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