The Philippines is home to some of the best tennis players in the world. From Grand Slam Champions to World No. 1s, the country has produced some of the most decorated and successful players in the history of the sport.
From top-ranked singles players to multiple Grand Slam doubles winners, the Philippines has produced some of the world’s best talent. In this article, we will take a look at the best tennis players in the Philippines and their accomplishments.
1. Felicisimo Ampon
Felicisimo Ampon was an incredibly accomplished tennis player from the Philippines. He was considered to be the greatest Filipino tennis player in history and an impressive athlete in the global tennis community.
At 5 foot 3 inches tall, though closer to 4 ft 11, he was once considered the best tennis player in the world, pound for pound. His success was incredibly impressive for someone of his stature, as he was able to compete with much taller opponents and still come out on top.
He was an inspirational figure to many, showing that height and size are not necessarily the most important factors in success. He was a great example of how hard work and determination can help one to achieve great things, no matter the odds.
2. Alex Eala
Alexandra Eala is a Filipina professional tennis player who has achieved great success at a very young age. She is currently the number two ranked ITF junior as of October 6, 2020.
This is a remarkable feat, as it requires immense skill and dedication to make it to the top rankings of a prestigious organization like the ITF. Eala has been able to achieve a career-high singles ranking with the Women’s Tennis Association of 195, which she attained on August 28, 2023.
This is an impressive rank, and it shows that she has the ability to compete at a high level in the sport. Eala is continuing to strive for excellence in her sport, and she is a great example for young girls in the Philippines and around the world.
She is an inspiration to those who have dreams of competing professionally in tennis, and her success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that one must put in to achieve success.
3. Raymundo Deyro
Raymundo Deyro was a professional tennis player from the Philippines. He was born and raised in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. As a young boy, Deyro was passionate about tennis and dedicated himself to the sport.
During his junior years, he represented the Philippines in several international tennis tournaments. He won numerous singles and doubles titles, solidifying his reputation as one of the best tennis players in the Philippines.
Throughout his professional career, Deyro was a regular on the ATP tour. He had a successful run at the French Open, reaching the fourth round in 2000. He also made it to the third round of the US Open in 2001. He reached his highest ranking of No.
78 in the world rankings in 2003. In addition to his pro career, Deyro was also an avid tennis instructor. He was known for his innovative teaching style and for inspiring young players to become the best they can be.
He was also a staunch advocate for tennis in the Philippines and was heavily involved in the country’s tennis development. Raymundo Deyro was a beloved figure in the Philippines and was a source of inspiration for many aspiring tennis players.
He was a symbol of determination and hard work, and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
4. Francis Alcantara
Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara is a professional tennis player from the Philippines. He is a rising star in the world of professional tennis and has achieved a great deal of success in recent years.
Alcantara began playing tennis at a young age, and quickly developed a love and passion for the sport.
He has since competed in a number of international tournaments, including the Davis Cup and the ATP Challenger Tour. Alcantara is known for his powerful serves and consistent groundstrokes. He has also been praised for his tactical skills and mental fortitude.
His determination and hard work have resulted in a number of impressive victories against some of the world’s top players.
He is currently ranked in the top 50 in the world and is considered one of the best players in the Philippines. Alcantara’s success has also attracted attention from sponsors.
He has signed endorsement deals with some of the biggest companies in the Philippines, such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
He also serves as an ambassador for a number of charities, including the Philippine Tennis Foundation. Alcantara’s passion and talent for tennis have inspired many young people in the Philippines to take up the sport.
He serves as a role model for aspiring tennis players, showing them how far dedication and hard work can take them. He continues to strive for success and is sure to be an even greater force in the world of professional tennis in the years to come.
5. Andres Battad
Andres Battad is a remarkable figure in the world of tennis. He is a Filipino tennis coach as well as a former professional player.
His career as a professional player has been filled with many accomplishments, and his contributions to the sport of tennis have been extremely valuable. Born and raised in Cotabato on the island of Mindanao, Battad was a nationally recognized tennis player in the 1980s.
His success in the sport earned him the opportunity to travel abroad and eventually settle in Hong Kong in 1991.
In this new city, he began to coach tennis and has since built a strong reputation for himself. His experience and expertise in the sport have enabled him to effectively mentor both professional and amateur players alike.
He has a keen eye for the technical aspects of tennis and is able to quickly identify areas of improvement.
He also has a strong passion for the game, which has helped drive him to become the successful coach he is today. Andres Battad is an excellent example of a successful Filipino athlete, and his influence on the sport of tennis should not be overlooked.
His dedication to the game and his commitment to helping others improve their skills have made him an invaluable asset to the tennis community.
6. Eric Taino
Eric Taino is a retired American tennis player who had a successful career on the ATP Tour. After his retirement, he went on to represent the Philippines in international competitions.
Before turning pro, he was the number one player and captain of the then-second-ranked UCLA tennis team. His outstanding performance earned him All-American honors. Taino’s career on the ATP Tour spanned many years and saw him achieve a great deal of success.
He managed to win several titles and accumulate a large number of wins against some of the best players in the world.
This success is what allowed him to transition into representing the Philippines in international competition. Before he turned pro, Taino was the number one player and captain of the UCLA tennis team.
With him in that role, the team managed to rise to the second-ranked spot in the nation.
His impressive performance on the team earned him All-American honors, recognizing his exceptional abilities and contributions to the team. Eric Taino is a remarkable athlete who has had a successful career on the ATP Tour and represented the Philippines in international competition.
He was also a great leader on the UCLA tennis team, earning All-American honors with his impressive performance. His career is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
7. Treat Huey
Treat Conrad Huey is an exceptional individual. He is a Filipino-American retired tennis player who is best known for representing the Philippines in international competitions. His professional career in tennis began in 2008 when he decided to turn professional.
Since then, he has become a strong symbol of the Filipino spirit. In 2009 he began representing the Philippines in the Davis Cup and the Southeast Asian Games. His performance in these competitions has been nothing short of remarkable.
He has given the country a sense of pride and patriotism. His exploits in the world of tennis have been celebrated by both Filipinos and those outside the Philippines.
He has achieved a great deal of success in his career and has set an example for other aspiring tennis players in the Philippines. He is a true ambassador of Filipino excellence and sportsmanship.
8. Manny Tolentino
Manuel Tolentino is a name that is well-known in the world of professional tennis. He was born in the Philippines and began playing tennis at a young age. He quickly developed a strong passion for the sport and was able to hone his skills and achieve great success.
Tolentino was a member of the Philippine National Team and represented his country in numerous international tournaments. He was known for his aggressive style of play and was able to dominate the court with his powerful serves and precise volleys.
Tolentino was a formidable opponent and was able to win a number of tournaments during his career. Despite his success, Tolentino decided to retire from competitive tennis in the early 2000s.
He now works as a tennis coach, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of tennis players. He continues to be an inspiration to aspiring tennis players in the Philippines, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
9. Jeson Patrombon
Jeson Patrombon is a highly accomplished Filipino tennis player. He has achieved a career-high junior ranking of 9 in January 2011, making him one of the top junior players in the world.
This success was followed up by a quarterfinal appearance at the 2011 Australian Open Boys’ Singles Event. Patrombon’s career has continued to grow, culminating in a career-high ATP singles ranking of 869 achieved on August 13th, 2012.
This is a tremendous achievement, especially considering his young age and the fact that he is competing against some of the best tennis players in the world.
Patrombon has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with on the international tennis stage and that he has the potential to climb even higher in the rankings.
10. Felix Barrientos
Felix Barrientos is a former professional tennis player who was born and raised in the Philippines. He started playing tennis at a very young age, and it quickly became his passion.
He trained under the tutelage of some of the top coaches in the country and eventually made his way to the professional circuit. He had a successful career, achieving some impressive results and winning several tournaments.
Felix was a very talented athlete, with a well-rounded game that allowed him to compete with the best in the world. He was an inspiration to many of the young players in the Philippines, and he was a role model for aspiring tennis players.
After his retirement from professional tennis, Felix has been involved in a variety of activities, including coaching, and is currently an ambassador for the sport in the Philippines.
He is remembered fondly by his fans and peers, and his legacy will continue to live on in the Philippines.
11. Alberto Lim Jr.
Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. is a Filipino professional tennis player who has achieved great success in the junior tennis circuit. He was born and raised in the Philippines and has been playing tennis since his early childhood.
Lim has achieved a career-high junior ranking of 12, which he achieved in January 2016. This is an impressive feat, especially considering that the Philippines is not traditionally considered to be a tennis powerhouse.
Lim has achieved much success in the junior rankings, and it is likely that he will continue to rise in the senior rankings in the near future.
He is an excellent example of the potential of Filipino athletes and is an inspiring figure for those wishing to pursue a career in tennis.
12. Roland So
Roland So is a former professional tennis player from the Philippines. He was active in the sport from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, and during that time, he earned many accolades as a competitor.
He was the first Filipino man to compete in and win a grand slam singles match, a feat he accomplished at the French Open in 1992.
He also reached the third round of Wimbledon in 1992 and the fourth round of the US Open in 1993. Roland So was also the first Filipino to break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings, a feat he achieved in 1989.
He was the highest-ranked Filipino of his time, and he won several regional titles in the Philippines and other countries in the region.
His career highlights also include representing the Philippines in the Davis Cup, and he was the first Filipino to be part of a Davis Cup team. Despite his success on the court, Roland So retired from professional tennis in 2000.
After his retirement, he continued to be involved in the sport, coaching and mentoring young Filipino players. He has also served as a motivational speaker in his home country, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players in the Philippines and serves as an important reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication.
13. Alexander Marcial
Alexander Marcial is an accomplished former professional tennis player from the Philippines. He was a part of the Philippine Davis Cup team from 1969 to 1982, and he had many successful matches during that time.
In total, he played 11 ties, of which he won 3 singles and 5 doubles rubbers. This shows that Marcial was a formidable player on the court, and his skill was critical in helping the Philippine team compete successfully in the Davis Cup.
In addition to his success on the court, Marcial also made an impact on the Filipino tennis community off the court. He was known as a mentor to young Filipino tennis players, providing them with guidance and advice on how to become successful players.
His guidance and experience helped many of the top Filipino tennis players reach their highest potential. Alexander Marcial is an example of a successful Filipino professional tennis player who made a lasting impact on the sport.
He was a great player on the court, and his influence off the court was also important for the development of tennis in the Philippines. He is a true inspiration for future generations of Filipino tennis players.
14. Ruben Gonzales
Ruben Gonzales is a Filipino professional tennis player who has been competing on the ATP Challenger Tour since 2013. On May 6, 2013, he achieved his highest ATP singles ranking of 766, making him one of the top tennis players in the Philippines.
He also achieved his highest doubles ranking of 122 on August 29, 2022, solidifying his place as one of the top tennis players in the country.
His success on the court has earned him recognition from the Philippines Tennis Federation, and he has become an inspiration to younger generations of tennis players in the country.
He is a true testament to the potential of Filipino athletes to reach the highest levels of international tennis.
15. Cecil Mamiit
Cecil Valdeavilla Mamiit is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He began his professional career in 1996 and achieved his highest individual ranking in the ATP Tour on October 11, 1999, when he reached World No. 72.
Mamiit also represented the Philippines in his tennis career. Mamiit’s success on the court has been well documented. He had a successful career in singles, reaching the third round of the French Open in 1998 and the fourth round of the U.S. Open in 1999.
In doubles, he had great success reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 1998 and the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1999.
Mamiit also made it to the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships in 2000. In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Mamiit has been a great ambassador for the sport of tennis.
After his retirement from professional tennis in 2003, he has continued to be involved in the sport, advocating for tennis in the Philippines and developing aspiring junior players.
He has also been a part of the Philippine Tennis Association and was the assistant coach of the Philippine Davis Cup team in 2011. Overall, Cecil Valdeavilla Mamiit has been an integral part of the sport of tennis.
He has achieved great success on the court while also giving back to the sport through his work in the Philippines. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success on the court, as well as in life.
16. Bryan Juinio
Bryan Malonzo Juinio is a former professional tennis player with Filipino-American heritage. Before he began his professional career, Juinio attended Fresno State University and was a member of the college tennis team, alongside his twin brother Ryan.
During his collegiate career, which spanned from 1992 to 1996, Juinio earned an impressive 105 singles wins, the most of any player in Fresno State’s history.
His success as a college tennis player helped Juinio make the transition to professional tennis, where he achieved further success throughout his career.
17. Johnny Jose
Juan Maria Johnson Jose was a professional Filipino tennis player. He was born in the Philippines and began playing tennis at a young age. He was passionate about the sport and dedicated himself to improving his skills.
He was a talented player and had the potential to be one of the top tennis players in the country. Juan Maria was able to compete in many tournaments both in the Philippines and abroad. He won several tournaments, including the Philippine Open in 2015.
He was also part of the Philippine Davis Cup team in 2015. Juan Maria was an inspiration to the younger generation of tennis players in the Philippines. He was known for his positive attitude and determination to succeed.
He used his platform to spread awareness about the importance of staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Juan Maria was a role model for many aspiring Filipino tennis players, and his legacy will continue to live on.
He was a great example of what is possible when you are dedicated and passionate about something.
18. Robert Angelo
Robert Angelo is a former professional tennis player from the Philippines. He was an active member of the Philippines Davis Cup team during the 1990s. Angelo competed in a total of 10 ties during this period, playing in nine singles and eight doubles rubbers.
His presence during the 1990s made a positive impact on the Philippines Davis Cup team, helping them to achieve great success. Angelo’s tennis skills and experience were evident during his time with the Philippines Davis Cup team.
He was a consistent performer, playing in nine singles and eight doubles rubbers over the course of his five-year tenure. His singles matches and doubles partnerships were crucial in helping the Philippines team to compete against tougher opponents.
During his time competing in the Philippines Davis Cup team, Angelo gained invaluable experience that he could use to further his tennis career.
His experience in the team environment was also valuable, as it provided him with the knowledge and skills to play in a professional setting. Overall, Robert Angelo’s presence on the Philippines Davis Cup team during the 1990s was an important asset for the team.
His dedication and commitment to the team, combined with his impressive tennis skills, enabled the Philippines Davis Cup team to reach greater heights and compete against some of the best teams in the world.
19. Miguel Dungo Jr.
Miguel Dungo Jr., commonly referred to as Mike Dungo, was a professional tennis player from the Philippines. Dungo was active in the sport from the late 1950s to the late 1960s, and he was selected to represent the Philippines in the Davis Cup ties in 1958 and 1968.
During his appearances in the Davis Cup, he was accompanied by his brother Eduardo, who was an early teammate of Dungo’s. Dungo was well-regarded in the tennis community for his skill level and his dedication to the sport.
He was an important figure in the development of the Filipino tennis scene, and he was a mentor to many of the players who followed him.
He was a respected figure for his sportsmanship and his commitment to the game, and his contribution to the sport was highly appreciated by many in the Philippines. In addition to being a successful tennis player, Dungo was also a successful businessman.
He was the founder of the Durango and Company, a construction company in the Philippines.
His company was well-known and successful, and it enabled Dungo to pursue his passion for tennis and to continue to contribute to the growth and development of the sport in the Philippines. Miguel Dungo Jr. was an important figure in the history of Filipino tennis.
He was a highly respected player who was able to contribute to the sport in a meaningful way. He was an inspiration to many of the players who followed him, and he was a mentor to many of the younger players.
His commitment to the game and his dedication to the development of the Filipino tennis scene will be remembered for many years to come.
20. Sofronio Palahang
Sofronio Palahang, also known as Camoy Palahang, is a former professional tennis player from the Philippines. He was active on the professional tennis tour in the 1990s and made a name for himself with his impressive performance in the Davis Cup.
Palahang represented the Philippines in eight Davis Cup ties, which included a 1991 World Group qualifier against Sweden. This was a significant milestone for Palahang as the World Group is the highest level of competition in the Davis Cup.
His performances earned him praise from the tennis world, and his name became well-known among fans of the sport. Palahang’s success on the court was a source of pride for his country, and he was seen as a role model for aspiring Filipino tennis players.
Even today, Palahang’s legacy lives on, as a reminder of his contribution to the sport in the Philippines.
21. Rod Rafael
Rodrigo Rafael is a former Filipino tennis player who has made a name for himself in the sport. He has moved to New York since his retirement, but he has a long history in the sport.
During his time as a professional player, he trained out of the Olivarez Tennis Center in Parañaque, Philippines. This tennis center was renowned for its excellent facilities and was a great place for Rafael to hone his skills.
Rafael was an active participant in international tournaments in the 1980s. He was known for his dedication and passion for the game and is still remembered fondly by those who watched him play.
His time on the international tour has left its mark on the sport and his legacy continues to live on.
22. Manuel Valleramos
Manuel Valleramos is a former Filipino tennis player from Davao who achieved remarkable success in his career. He was the first of three tennis-playing brothers and his success was especially noteworthy due to the fact that he was from a relatively smaller city.
Valleramos was particularly successful in the Southeast Asian Games, where he won the gold medal in the singles category in 1983. Moreover, he was part of the Philippines’ Davis Cup campaigns from 1978 to 1983. This shows the level of skill and accomplishment he had achieved.
His success in the Southeast Asian Games and Davis Cup campaigns illustrates the dedication and determination he had to make a name for himself in the world of tennis.
23. Willie Hernandez
Guillermo Hernandez, more commonly known as Willie Hernandez, is a former amateur tennis player from the Philippines. His father was a renowned sportscaster, and Hernandez began playing tennis from a young age; he was 10 years old when he first picked up a racket.
His talent was quickly recognized, and he went on to win his first international title at a junior tournament in Osaka.
Hernandez has since become a celebrated figure in the Filipino tennis community, and his success serves as an inspiration to young players hoping to make a name for themselves in the sport.
His career is a testament to the dedication and hard work that it takes to become a successful athlete.
24. Dyan Castillejo
Dyan Castillejo-Garcia is a well-known Filipino former tennis player and sports reporter. She is best known by her maiden name, Dyan Castillejo. She has had a long and successful career in tennis and has been a renowned sports reporter since the early 2000s.
Castillejo-Garcia was born in the Philippines where she began playing tennis at an early age. She has competed in numerous tournaments throughout her career and was even part of the Philippine national team.
She has won several titles, including the Philippine National Championship and the Philippine Open Women’s Singles Championship. In addition to her success in tennis, Castillejo-Garcia has been a successful sports reporter in the Philippines.
She was the first female sportscaster on the Philippines’ ABS-CBN Sports and Action channel. She has covered events such as the Olympic Games, the Asian Games, and the Southeast Asian Games. She has also interviewed numerous world-class athletes over the years.
Castillejo-Garcia is an inspiration to many Filipinos, both young and old. Her career has been an example of hard work and dedication, and she continues to be a role model to aspiring athletes and sports reporters.
She is an icon of Filipino sports and is respected for her achievements both on and off the court.
25. Khim Iglupas
Khim Iglupas is a talented Filipino junior tennis player. She first began playing for the Philippines at the 2016 Fed Cup, where she has since had an impressive win–loss record of 6–1.
This result is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her game and it has certainly paid off. Iglupas has been able to make a name for herself in the sport and is quickly becoming one of the most promising young players in the Philippines.
Her future looks bright, and hopefully, she can continue to build on her success at the Fed Cup and other tournaments.
26. Marian Capadocia
Marian Jade Saldajeno Cappadocia is a professional tennis player from the Philippines. She has been playing tennis since she was a child and has recently become one of the top Filipino players on the world stage.
She has won several international tournaments, including the Asian Tennis Championships and the Philippine National Open.
Additionally, she has represented the Philippines in multiple international tournaments, including the World Team Tennis Championship. Marian Jade has become a highly-regarded figure in Philippine tennis and has been featured in media outlets such as the Philippine Star and the Manila Bulletin.
She is often praised for her hard work and dedication to the sport and is considered a role model for young aspiring Filipino athletes.
She is also a prominent advocate for women’s sports in the country and has campaigned for more equal opportunities for female athletes. Marian Jade’s career has been a great success, and she is now considered one of the best tennis players in the region.
She has made a name for herself both on and off the court and is an inspiration to many. Her hard work and dedication to the sport have allowed her to reach the top of the tennis world, and she is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
27. Raymond Suarez
Raymond Suarez was a Filipino professional tennis player in the 1980s. He was a member of the Philippine Davis Cup team and had an impressive 8–6 record in Davis Cup matches.
His biggest win came in 1988 when he faced off against Toshihisa Tsuchihashi of Japan in the deciding fifth rubber. The match went to five sets, and Suarez emerged victorious, giving the Philippines a rare victory over its East Asian neighbor.
It was a significant accomplishment for Suarez and a testament to his skill as a tennis player. His success in Davis Cup play is a testament to the strength of the Philippine tennis program, and to the dedication of its players.
28. Miguel Dungo III
Miguel Dungo III is a former professional tennis player with a unique origin story. Born to a Philippines Davis Cup player, his father, Miguel Jr., Dungo was raised in New York City.
He graduated from Bryant High School in Long Island and went on to pursue a career in professional tennis in 1988. Throughout his career, Dungo has had some impressive victories against opponents, including Marty Davis.
This is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Dungo has put into his game over the years and speaks to the success of his upbringing.
He is an example of how the hard work and dedication of a parent can have a positive impact on their child, and the benefits that can bring.
29. Richard Gonzales
Richard Pugoy Gonzales is a highly accomplished table tennis player from the Philippines. As of January 2014, he is the number-one ranked player in the country.
He has achieved a great deal of success in the sport, having won numerous national and international titles. Gonzales began playing table tennis as a child and has been involved in the sport for many years.
He has represented the Philippines at international events, including the 2012 World Table Tennis Championships held in Dortmund, Germany.
Gonzales has also won several gold medals in various World and Asian Table Tennis Championships. In addition to his success on the table tennis court, Gonzales has also served as the President of the Philippine Table Tennis Federation since 2011.
He has been instrumental in the development and growth of the sport in the Philippines, both at the amateur and professional level. Gonzales is an impressive example of what can be achieved when someone puts their mind to something.
He is proof that hard work and dedication can lead to success, no matter the endeavor. He is an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players around the world and his dedication to the sport is an example for all to follow.
30. Ian Lariba
Ian Nietes Lariba was an exceptionally talented Filipino table tennis player. She had the rare ability to compete with some of the best athletes in the world in the sport.
Throughout her career, she represented the Philippines in international tournaments, and her most notable achievement was competing in the women’s singles event at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Lariba was the first Filipino athlete to ever compete in the table tennis event at the Olympics, making her feat even more remarkable. Her presence on the international stage showcased the Philippines’ strength in the sport, and she was a source of immense pride for the country.
Lariba was a role model for athletes in the Philippines, showing them it was possible to compete at the highest levels and represent their nation with dignity. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2019 due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia.
The Philippines lost a great athlete and an even greater ambassador, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Conclusion
The Philippines has a great selection of professional tennis players who have the potential to become world-renowned champions. From young up-and-comers to seasoned veterans, there is something for everyone in the Philippines.
With the right coaching and dedication, any one of these players could make a name for themselves in the world of tennis. With the right support and resources, the Philippines could soon have a player who could make a huge impact on the world of professional tennis.
