Eric Jed Olivarez reinforced his status as the rising star of Philippine tennis by defeating John Benedict Aguilar in commanding fashion, 6-4, 6-1, to capture the Rep. Edwin National Open Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque, last Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Eric Jed Olivarez reinforced his status as the rising star of Philippine tennis by defeating John Benedict Aguilar in commanding fashion, 6-4, 6-1, to capture the Rep. Edwin National Open Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque, last Wednesday, Oct. 16.
The top-seeded Olivarez’s straight-set victory, punctuated by a dominant second set, highlighted the vast potential of the 26-year-old Western Michigan University graduate, who has his sights set on winning every tournament he competes in. He was in top form throughout the event, dispatching three opponents with relative ease before overcoming a tough challenge from Loucas Fernandez in the semifinals, where he secured a 6-0, 7-6(0) win. Meanwhile, Aguilar, 18, made waves in the lower half of the 64-player draw, producing scintillating performances, including a stunning upset of second seed and Olivarez’s doubles partner Vicente Anasta, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
But in the championship match, Olivarez’s focus and experience shone through. Olivarez broke Aguilar early in the third game of the opening set, then maintained his composure in a series of hold games before securing the crucial break in the 10th to take the set, 6-4. The seco.