Despite falling short of doubles title, Fil-Am Santamaria leaves PH Open with plenty gained

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina-American Sabrina Santamaria may have missed out on the Philippine Women’s Open doubles crown, but she reconnected with her roots and won over Filipino fans.

Returning to the Philippines for the first time in 24 years, Santamaria — whose mother hails from Quezon City — took pride in what she achieved in the country’s first WTA 125 event.

“Everything went absolutely amazing,” said Santamaria, who is ranked No. 74 in the world in doubles. “I am half Filipina. I’m super proud to be half Pinay.” 

“It’s very special to come back here and compete here. I think it’s so special to finally have a women’s professional event in the Philippines for the first time. So I really wanted to come play here and it’s just so special.”

Santamaria and American partner Quinn Gleason powered into the finale before they bowed to Hong Kong’s Eudice Chong and Chinese Taipei’s Liang En-Shuo in a 2-6, 7-6 (2), 10-6 loss in front of a packed crowd at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

In the second set, Santamaria and Gleason squandered a 5-2 lead and then fell flat in the super tiebreak to hand the title to the Asian duo.

While she fell short of the crown, Santamaria still found her return to the country worthwhile as she got to play in front of her loved ones.

“I have a lot of aunts and uncles and they’re all here. I got a lot of cousins. So it’s been such a blessing to be here and have their support,” she said.

“I haven’t been here in 24 years. The last time I was here, I was eight years old. So it’s really special to come back.”

“It’s been really special to have so much family around and so much support in being here. Even though I’m only half, the Filipinos have really welcomed me and treated me like their own. It’s just so special to be back here,” the 32-year-old Santamaria added.

Despite the ouster of home hero Alex Eala in the quarterfinals of singles play, Filipino fans consistently showed up until the end of the tournament, which culminated with the coronation of Colombia’s Camila Osorio on Saturday, January 31.

The impressive spectator turnout made the experience more memorable for Santamaria.

“I think it’s so beautiful that we get to compete here and have so many people come to watch. The crowds have been significant and so amazing. We’re getting bigger crowds than we had in Melbourne, honestly. It’s really incredible,” she said. – Rappler.com