Emana hopes fans go easy on her, other Pinoy netters without Eala-level training

MANILA, Philippines — Kaye Emana hopes fans cut her and the other Filipino netters not named Alex Eala at the Philippine Women's Open some slack, saying they didn't have specialized-training like the world no. 49 player had.

The reigning UAAP MVP from University of Santo Tomas said what fans failed to realize is that Eala received elite-level training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain.

For comparison, Emana said she, Tennielle Madis and Elizabeth Abarquez -- who all suffered early exits at the ongoing inaugural WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open -- are merely varsity players.

"I see it whenever there’s a post about other Filipino athletes competing, like Elsie Abarquez. I see in the comments that people say we’re very different from Alex," said Emana.

"But of course, I hope they realize that she has a coaching staff with her while we’re just on our own. I also hope people will think that no one (no dedicated team) is helping us. ," added Emana, who fell to Russian Tatiana Prozorova in the round of 32, 1-6, 0-6, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Tuesday.

Emana also wishes that more training and seminars are offered in the country so that players like her can develop further.

"I hope there will always be training and seminars. Because it’s really hard, especially when there’s no money, no budget. And when it’s just you on your own, it’s really difficult to improve," said Emana.

"It’s not like Alex, who has the Nadal Academy. So I hope there will always be training here in the Philippines, so that there’s something we can rely on to win in WTA events."

Heading to her third year in the UAAP, Emana, 22, is happy to have played in a WTA level tournament.

"Of course, I’m happy. Because I was able to play in this kind of tournament, and it’s an international one, so I’m just happy that I got to participate in an event like this."

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