PH Davis Cup team eyes bigger stage after Group III promotion

Fresh from their successful Group IV campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippine Men’s Davis Cup team was formally recognized after a clean sweep, capped by a 2-0 playoff win over Kyrgyzstan, earned them a much-anticipated promotion to Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone.

“It’s a slow climb, but we’re happy to be back in Group III,” said Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Executive Director Tonette Mendoza. “The goal is to return to Group II, where we used to compete before.”

Team standout Jed Olivarez, who now holds an impressive 7-0 Davis Cup singles record since the team’s climb from Group V, said the team is determined to keep the momentum going. 

“It’s always an honor to represent the country. We’re inspired by Alex Eala and hope to make the nation proud,” he said.

Also part of the Davis Cup roster are AJ Lim, Arthur Craig "Iggy" Pantino, and seasoned doubles specialists Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara. Former PH tennis greats Joseph Lizardo and Johnny Arcilla serve as the team’s coaches.

Lim, recovering from an injury sustained during the Olivarez Cup finals, was unable to attend the forum, while Pantino and Gonzales are competing and training overseas. Alcantara, currently ranked among the world’s top 250 in doubles, also recently returned to Europe after representing the Philippines.

PHILTA also confirmed the same men’s squad will represent the country in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December. Mendoza added that training camps for both the men's and women’s teams will begin in November. 

“The women’s lineup is still being finalized, as several members and coaches are based in the U.S.,” Mendoza explained.

She also expressed hope that world no. 60+ Alex Eala can join the SEA Games team despite her packed schedule as she prepares for the Australian Open. 

“She’s very excited to play for the country, so we’re hopeful she can fit it in.”

Apart from international campaigns, PHILTA is working to decentralize tennis development, launching grassroots initiatives in Visayas and Mindanao. 

“Many top junior players come from outside Metro Manila,” said Mendoza. “We’re holding quarterly regional training and bringing national tournaments to those areas.”

Upcoming key events include an ITF High-Performance Training Camp on September 8 and a Grade A Asian Tennis Federation tournament the following week, both set at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

PHILTA is also pursuing long-term plans for a National Tennis Center in New Clark City, with proposed world-class facilities including 10 courts and dormitories.

As for future Olympic aspirations, Olivarez said he’s just getting started on the international tour. “Hopefully I’ll gain more ranking points. The Olympics require a top 62 world ranking, but we’ll try,” he said.

PHILTA President Cong. Eric Olivarez and Secretary General Mayor John Ray Piñol are leading efforts to improve the tennis program from elite development to grassroots support, signaling a true revival of Philippine tennis.