MANILA, Philippines—Philippine tennis is ready for a post Cecil Mamiit-era.
Smarting from a below-par performance in the 26th Southeast Asian Games, Philippine Tennis Association president Edwin Olivarez announced Tuesday that Philta will now focus on developing new talents, both homegrown and with foreign blood.
Olivarez made the announcement at the Century Park Sheraton in Manila after signing a memorandum of agreement with Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen for the hosting of the 2012 Davis Cup Group 2 tie.
“Cecil has been the nucleus of the team for eight years,” said Olivarez. “But you see, players age. We need new, homegrown talents.”
He mentioned rising stars Jeson Patrombon, Dennis Lajola and Marc Sieber, as well as Francis Casey Alcantara, Kyle Dandan and his own son Pablo Olivarez II who are all studying abroad.
But Olivarez is not closing the doors on Mamiit who has expressed interest in suiting up for the PH team anew. He added that Treat Huey is still in the fold.
Gazmen said Iriga’s 2,000-seater indoor court will be converted into tru-flex hardcourts for the Cup tie between the Filipinos and Pacific Oceania on Feb. 10 to 12.
“We are honored to host this big international event,” said Gazmen.
Lapu Lapu City hosted two ties last year and lost to both Japan and Chinese Taipei.
The country also lost to New Zealand to fall from Group 1.