Manila: The Philippines is gearing up to face Malaysia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan in their quest for a higher promotional ranking in the upcoming Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup. The national team is set to compete in the Asia/Oceania Group 2 matches scheduled from June 16 to 21 at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the team comprises Shaira Hope Rivera and Alexa Joy Milliam from the University of Western Alabama, along with Philippine Tennis Academy members Tennielle Madis and Stefi Marithe Aludo. The competition also includes teams from Northern Marian Islands, Iran, Pacific Oceania, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, and Mongolia.
"Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia are going to be the strongest teams," remarked team coach Dy during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. The team will depart on Saturday, with the tournament draw set for Sunday.
Rivera, a veteran of the Group 3 team last December in Bahrain and a member of the NCAA All-American Team Division II, expressed her enthusiasm. "I'm very excited to play again for the Philippines. We have a good chance to win because we already know the players from other countries," said the 25-year-old interdisciplinary management student.
The team draws inspiration from Alexandra Eala, the world's No. 77, who made history by defeating top-ranked players like Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek in the WTA1000 Miami Open. Despite losing in the semifinals, Eala became the first Filipina in the Open era to beat a WTA Top 5 player and reach a career-high No. 75 world ranking.
Coach Dy, a former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in mixed doubles, is eager for her new coaching role. "It's always an honor to serve my country, and now in a different capacity. I have faith in the team and I'm looking forward to great matches," she stated. Dy will be supported by Bobie Angelo, head coach of the Philippine Tennis Academy and a Davis Cup veteran.
The BJK Cup Asia/Oceania Group 2 format includes two round-robin pools. The top two teams from each pool will proceed to promotional play-offs, with the winners promoted to Asia/Oceania Group I next year, while the last-placed teams will be relegated to Group 3.
Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Board member Dyan Castillejo and executive director Tonette Mendoza, who were present at the session, emphasized the importance of developing more female players in the sport. "What Eala has done is great; she's an inspiration to young players," Castillejo said.
