Have you ever been to the Phillipines? Our MTL Instructor Mel A. is originally from the Phillipines and also got the chance to play Davis Cup for his home country. Check out what he says about playing on such a high level of tennis and what he took from it.
You are originally from the Phillipines. When it comes to tennis, what is your country best known for?
Mighty Mite, my father Felicisimo, who was mentioned as one of the best players “pound for pound.” His height was 5’4″.
Obviously you have competed at one of the highest levels of tennis. What were the most important moments of development for you as a young player to be able to reach such a point?
Playing Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball and Track really helped me as an all around athlete. Having fun and enjoying the all the sports that I participated played an important role in developing me as a person and a tennis player.
At what point in your tennis career did you realize it was a realistic goal to play Davis Cup for your country?
Winning all the age group tournament, the 12’s, 15’s & 18’s got me some confidence that maybe I can be like my father, Felicisimo who played Davis Cup for 30 yrs. Also played the Grand Slam & International tournaments. At the age of 17 yrs old, I made the Davis Cup Team. Tho, I did not get to play due to the scholarship to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Trying to make it as a professional tennis player takes a serious commitment. What were the pro and cons you weighed when deciding to pursue a professional tennis career?
I just wanted to compete in those “big” tournaments just like my father. I knew to be a professional, it takes a lot of commitment & sacrifice. The profession cost a lot of money, especially if you do not have a sponsor. The focus to achieve your goal is tremendous. It was really a big challenge on my part if I can make my dream come true.
How did it feel the first time you stepped out on the court to represent your country?
Playing for my country was my life time dream! I felt like a rock star and huge crowd were watching!!! Finally, after 15 years, I got to play. What an exciting moment!!!
What is your favorite Davis Cup moment/story?
Representing your country was a honor! Competing and playing Davis Cup was the epitome of my tennis career!!!
Davis Cup crowds are known for their soccer-style support. Have you been a part of a match with a raucous crowd, either for or against you?
In 1989, the crowd was good. Also, it was held in Manila. The crowd then was fair.
Establishing an international ranking requires quite a bit of traveling. How did you feel about traveling to play tournaments? Is there a particular location that sticks out to you?
Travelling, playing all those tournaments were really fun and exciting for me! I got to see the world, met a lot of nice people. I was able to establish some friendships that last a life time. The value of helping/sharing gave me a much better perspective on what life is all about. Great experience, another way to escape reality!!
Over the years there have been people who have called for changes to be made to the Davis Cup format. While top players seem to be snubbing the Davis Cup more frequently, others suggest it does not do the best job of representing a countries tennis prowess as a whole. What changes, if any, would you make to the Davis Cup?
For me personally, I just want to play and I do not want to get involve in any kind of politics shape or form. This whole idea does not affect me because I was denied to play for such a long time. Also, the top players are affected because of MONEY. This is what it is all about!!! During my father’s generation, there were no perks. In fact, I was offended when I recieved a very minimal amount representing my country!? Where was the money allocated for the players. This is why I want to help out in the tennis Industry in the Philippines. I want to continue my father’s legacy with the help of sponsors and for the good of the next generation.
