MANILA – Top seed Tennielle Madis secured a finals berth after dispatching returning veteran Marian Capadocia, 6-4, 6-4, in the semifinals of the Philta National Women’s Open held Friday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate.
The 18-year-old standout now prepares for a title clash against second seed Stefi Marithe Aludo, who cruised past No. 16 Lourainne Jallorina, 6-2, 6-1, in the other semifinal pairing.
Hailing from M’lang, Cotabato, Madis has been on a strong run, having previously ruled tournaments such as the PCA Open, Gentry Open, and Olivarez Open. She also teamed up with Aludo to capture a doubles bronze medal in last year’s Southeast Asian Games.
Capadocia, who recently returned to competition following a year-long break after giving birth, impressed with her semifinal run. She earlier eliminated higher-ranked opponents, including Kaye Ann Emana and Elizabeth Abarquez.
Despite the loss, Capadocia expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that her limited preparation made her campaign more challenging.
Meanwhile, Madis, Aludo, and Jallorina are all products of the Philippine Tennis Academy, a program backed by sports patron Romy Chan.
In doubles play, Madis and Aludo dominated Jallorina and Avegail Ansay, 6-0, 6-1, to advance to the semifinals, where they will face Capadocia and Yuki Madrio.
Also advancing were the Emana sisters, Kaye Anne and Mica, who defeated Rovie Baulite and Judy Ann Padilla, 6-4, 6-1. They will take on Annika Diwa and Mekaela Vicencio in the next round.
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