Jed Olivarez expressed pride in representing the Philippines after the national tennis team swept Group IV and earned the promotion to Asia Oceania Group III of the Davis Cup.
Fresh off a commanding performance in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group IV, Jed Olivarez and the Philippine men’s tennis team secured a promotion to Group III last week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The victory marks the Philippines’ second promotion in less than a year after a 2020 suspension by the International Tennis Federation due to governance issues.
Olivarez expressed immense pride in representing the country, drawing inspiration from Filipina tennis star Alex Eala.
“It's always an honor na ma-represent yung Pilipinas,” Olivarez said during a Philippine Sportswriters Association forum. “Siyempre ang laki ng honor na binibigay niya sa bansa. And we hope na maging inspiration niya for us and for other inspired Filipino athletes.”
The Philippines earned promotion to the Asia Oceania Group III after a flawless campaign in Kuala Lumpur, sweeping all ties without dropping a match.
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Guided by head coach Joseph Lizardo, the team of Olivarez, AJ Lim, Arthur Craig Pantino, and veteran doubles specialists Francis Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales capped the run with a 2-0 win over Kyrgyzstan in the semifinals.
With the promotion, the Philippines will face tougher competition in Group III against teams like Vietnam, Singapore, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, Olivarez remains confident of the team’s chances at another run for promotion.
“Well, sa Group 3, I think we're still expected to win that,” he said. “Nawala yung Indonesia and Thailand, which are very strong teams. As far as I know, 'yung teams sa Group 3 are Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Singapore. I'm not sure which other teams, but I believe na we're still expected to win that.”
For Olivarez, the Davis Cup success is also a springboard for his international career.
“Well, syempre. I will try. Kasi ngayon pa lang ako magsu-start to really play international tournaments,” he shared. “So I'm hoping na hindi-hindi makakalik na 'yung mga points na playing international. And then let's see kung hanggang saan maabot yung ranking.”