Whenever I watch an international tennis tournament I feel sad that the Philippines is not represented compared to other Asian countries. If there is one sport we Filipinos can excel, it is tennis. I attended the Philippine Tennis Summit held at the Makati Sports Club last September 6, 2016 organized by PhilTA acting president Randy Villanueva. Villanueva assumed the post after Paranaque Mayor Olivarez resigned. There are too many controversies and politics happening within the association. With the ITF recognizing Randy Villanueva, he brings the promise of improving the present state of Philippine tennis.
Increase Membership from 12 to 100,000
I was really surprised to know that the PhilTA has only 12 exclusive members. These members do not represent any region or club. The current by-laws does not allow for election of regional representatives. Villanueva wants the tennis community to get involved.
Tennis For Every Juan
PhilTA aims to increase the membership from 12 to 100,000. They want increase the number of active members by partnering with tennis clubs and organizations. Setting up regional associations will also increase awareness of the sport in different regions of the country. There should also be members and stakeholders that will represent and have mandate over a specific region. Introducing tennis in schools will also enable the country to produce future tennis champions.
Road To Becoming A World-Class Tennis Association
Roland Kraut is the first Philippine Coach certified as ITF Level 3 and among 20 coaches in Asia (source:http://www.itennisschool.com/) |
- Philippine tennis should have at least 2 Olympians by 2024
- We should be included in the World Group of the Davis Cup. The last time we were included was in 1991.
- We should be included in the World Group of the Fed Cup. We were in the group during the time of Dyan Castillejo.
- We should have at least 2 players in the top 100 of ATP and WTA
- We should have consistent supply of world-class junior players.
- We should have a yearly yield of at least 4 junior players in the top 100 ITF World Juniors/
- We should be included in the Juniors World Group of Davis Cup and Fed Cup.
- We should have an extensive grassroot program
- We should have at least 2 top caliber junior players per region
- We should have 200+ age-group tournaments nationwide
Tennis Software
I had a freelance work from 2008-2011 providing the content of a tennis website. I was tasked to create a database of all the tennis courts, clubs, pro-shops and organizations in the US. It broke my heart when Randy Villanueva said we do not know how many tennis courts are there in the Philippines and how many clubs, organizations and tennis players. They are now working on a tennis software for members and players database which also includes rankings planner, tournament and league planner and player rating planner. Members will also be given an International Tennis Number (ITN).
PhilTA Chairman of the Board Jean Henri Lhuillier has expressed his support to acting president Randy Villanueva's plans for the association and the sport. "It's refreshing to have this Philippine Tennis Summit and hear the great plans of Villanueva to move forward the Philippine tennis. As always, I'll be here to support in whatever capacity I can to bring to fruition PhilTA's plans," said Lhuillier.
International Tennis Federation (ITF) president David Haggerty is also visiting the Philippines for the first time on September 27, 2016.