World tennis head coming to the country

THE PRESIDENT of the International Tennis Federation will visit the Philippines for the first time to get a clear picture of the state of the sport in the country.

David Haggerty will be in the country on Sept. 27 and 28, according to Philippine Tennis Association acting president Randy Villanueva.

Known for his hands-on leadership, Haggerty is expected to visit the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which houses the national tennis center.

He will also meet with tennis officials, who recently got involved in a power struggle.

Villanueva said Haggerty has been monitoring the situation in Philta which last month gathered its stakeholders. His visit is seen as a recognition of the Philippines’ potential to make it big in the international scene, according to the Philta head.

The Philippines has several players in the men’s division playing in the pro circuit, including Treat Huey who is No. 18 in the world in doubles, Ruben Gonzales, Francis Casey Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon and Alberto Lim Jr.

The Philippines has also resumed hosting anew ATP Challenger and ITF tournaments the past two years.