Lim quits school, chases ‘Slam’ dream

YOUNG tennis sensation Alberto Lim Jr. has decided to quit school so he can chase full-time his dream of becoming the first Filipino since Felicisimo Ampon in the 1950s to play in a Grand Slam men’s singles.

The 16-year-old from Matatalaib, Tarlac, is playing in several tough tournaments this year, including the qualifying round of the US Open juniors on Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 at Flushing Meadows, New York.

“I think my studies can wait,” said Lim in Filipino. “I feel that I need to concentrate on tennis right now.”

Lim reached the second round of the Wimbledon juniors last month after advancing from the qualifying phase. That feat boosted his world junior ranking to No. 65.

“After my Wimbledon experience, I feel I can do much better,” said Lim, who is being mentored by Martin Misa. “I want to become the first Filipino to compete in a Grand Slam event in men’s singles in decades.”

Lim will see action in a Grade 1 event in Nanjing, China, on Aug. 4 to 9, another Grade 1 event in Maryland on Aug. 24 to 29, and the Canadian Open on Aug. 30 to Sept 5.

He will also compete in this year’s Asian men’s circuit, including two legs in Manila.