The clamor for the Philippine Tennis Association to get its act together in the face of a two-year suspension slapped on it by the International Tennis Federation, is getting stronger as tennis champions and many-time national team players Treat Huey and Johnny Arcilla have already voiced out their displeasure over the sports association for not addressing the issues that led to the ban.
“I have heard rumours about the ITF suspending PHILTA. If my fellow players are barred from Davis Cup and other international team competitions, it would be a huge blow to our livelihood in an already trying time. The athletes should not suffer because of what’s happening behind the scenes that we have no control of and are not aware of,” said Huey.
“I really hope there is going to be an upcoming election that keeps the players informed and aware especially in the tough times we are in right now. I just want to have the chance and be able to get back to competing again after what was a crazy 2020,” Huey added.
“Kailangan ayusin agad ng PHILTA itong gusot na ito, make changes for the betterment of Philippine tennis, like programs for national athletes. Kawawa kaming mga players, especially the national team players and upcoming junior players na apektado nitong suspension na to,” said Arcilla.
These come from the heels of another national team player in Francis Casey Alcantara and a parent of an upcoming junior player expressing concern over the situation.
ITF President David Haggerty noted that the association is made up of an “exclusive membership base,” which does not qualify PHILTA to be a national sporting federation.
The events that transpired also prompted Haggerty to ask from PHILTA its plan of action in diversifying its membership so that an election may take place. Haggerty also noted that NSAs must comprise of regional representatives of sports organizations and should be presided over by sporting clubs.
