MANILA, Philippines—Jeson Patrombon got his United States visa in the nick of time, guaranteeing a stint in the US Open at Flushing Meadows for his fourth Grand Slam appearance this year.
The 17-year-old Filipino junior top netter had to personally pick up his passport in order to take the noontime flight yesterday via Korean Airlines that was to take him to New York for the US Open juniors competitions next week.
Patrombon, the Iligan City pride, is hoping to improve his performance from the past three Grand Slams, where the farthest he made it to was in the second-round of the French Open.
Patrombon got out of the first round by beating Miki Jankovic, brother of Serbian star Jelena.
Compatriot Francis Casey Alcantara is also expected to make the main draw which will only be made available by Monday.
Alcantara is currently in the US on an athletic scholarship at the Fresno State University.
Patrombon almost missed the US Open trip because he was in Singapore for two weeks for the Youth Olympics and couldn’t personally process his visa.
His coach Manny Tecson expressed confidence in Patrombon’s chances in the US Open.
“He has what it takes to win,” said Tecson. “It will depend on how he will rise to the challenge.”
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