“ADOPT ME!” — OLYMPIC SILVER MEDAL WINNER DONNA VEKIĆ FALLS FOR THE FIERCE LOVE OF THE PHILIPPINES: “THIS ATMOSPHERE IS ADDICTIVE!” At the 2026 Philippine Women’s Open, the Manila crowd not only cheered — they completely won the heart of Croatian star Donna Vekić, turning her into an official “adopted daughter” of the Filipinos. Despite losing twice to her home country’s heroine Alex Eala, Donna harbored no resentment, instead feeling genuinely moved by Alex’s inspiration to thousands of children, and especially by the fervent love from the stands. With a radiant smile and sparkling eyes, the Olympic champion admitted, “The support for Alex is insane… I wish everyone would adopt me too! I’ve never experienced such an amazing atmosphere — I’ve fallen in love here!” This wasn’t just a tournament, but beautiful proof that tennis can connect distant souls, transforming a foreign athlete into a beloved “Tita Donna,” and the Philippines has just found another star to embrace forever in its warm arms.
“Adopt Me!” — Donna Vekić Falls in Love with the Philippines
The 2026 Philippine Women’s Open delivered more than thrilling tennis — it created a heartfelt connection that no scoreboard could capture. Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekić may have lost twice to local heroine Alex Eala, but she walked away having won something far more lasting: the love of the Filipino crowd.
From the first cheer to the final point, Manila embraced Vekić with an energy that left her visibly moved. There was no bitterness in defeat, only admiration — for Alex’s rise, her power to inspire thousands of young Filipinos, and the electric atmosphere radiating from the stands. Smiling brightly, Donna summed it up perfectly: “The support for Alex is insane… I wish everyone would adopt me too! I’ve never experienced such an amazing atmosphere — I’ve fallen in love here!”
What unfolded wasn’t just a tournament, but a reminder of tennis at its most beautiful — a sport capable of connecting distant cultures and turning a visiting athlete into family. In the Philippines, Donna Vekić didn’t just compete. She became “Tita Donna,” and the nation gained another star forever welcomed with open arms 🇵🇭🎾
