By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s tennis team aims to earn a promotion when it competes in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group II at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia starting Monday, June 16.
Composed of elite collegiate and junior tennis stars, the Nationals hope to figure prominently in the six-day tournament – slated June 16 to 21 – in the hopes of enhancing their chances to be promoted to a higher level even without the country’s top player in Alex Eala.
It can be recalled that last December, Eala spearheaded the Fillipina netters’ promotion in Group II of the BJK Cup – a timely achievement for the Philippines which came from a three-year suspension from International Tennis Federation (ITF) which ended in January 2024 due to a leadership squabble.
Eala, however, will miss this year’s event due to a busy schedule, what with Wimbledon Open just around the corner.
The top two finishers in the BJK Cup would earn Group I promotion.
Denise Dy, who has been part of the national team since 2003 and a two-time mixed doubles champion in the Southeast Asian Games, will guide the quartet of Alexa Milliam, Shaira Rivera, Tennielle Madis, and Stefi Aludo in what could be the biggest test of their young careers.
“We came together, and I know for the fact these players are excited about their chances,” said Dy during Tuesday’s PSA Forum which presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/ PLDT, and the countrys’ 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
“I think when it comes to matching we have a good shot, and I’m confident with the level of our players they can deliver there,” she added. “This is just the beginning.”
Milliam and Rivera, who led University of West Alabama’s fruitful run in US NCAA Division II, will try to showcase their experience abroad while teenage rising stars Madis and Aludo are expected to bring their youthful energy for the Nationals.
“I’m excited po to play again and feeling ko po may chance po kaming manalo kasi killa korin po ‘yong mga makakalaban namin do’n,” said Milliam.
“We’re just doing our best po pagdating namin do’n, for the country, and for the Philippine tennis,” added Rivera.
The Philippines awaits its foes until Sunday, June 15 for the draw of the 10 countries which will be split into two groups with participating teams consisting of Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Iran, and host Malaysia, alongside Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Northern Mariana Islands, Pacific Oceania, and Singapore.
The format is a two-round robin pool of five then the best two squads of each group will march on to the promotional play-offs where the winners will be promoted in Group I next year. On the other hand, the bottom teams will be relegated in Group III.
