MANILA, Philippines --- Unknown perhaps to many, a Filipino tennis player can claim a small credit to the rise of Russian star Maria Sharapova to women’s number one in the world and for her victory in the French Open Saturday night.
Cecil Mamiit, who carried the country in various international meets including the Davis Cup and the Southeast Asian Games and played for the country as late as November last year in the Indonesia SEA Games, smiled proudly as Sharapova hugged him while he stood side-byside with members of the Russian’s entourage headed by her coach, German Thomas Hogstedt, at the VIP corner of Roland Garros.
Sharapova said Mamiit just joined her team this year. Actually, Mamiit was part of the Russian star’s inner circle and worked as her hitting partner since January last year.
But since Mamiit could not commit full time because of his role as member and team captain of the Philippine national tennis team, they parted somewhat in August last year.
But Mamiit has since reduced his role in the PH team giving him enough time to commit to Sharapova.
“Thanks Cecil,” said Sharapova as she named the members of her entourage before she clambered up the stands to hug each one of them.
"It has been a privilege and honor to work with Maria and her team," said Mamiit in an e-mail message hours aftter Sharapova’s historic win. "Maria is a true professional; a dedicated and talented athlete."
"She is passionate about improving her game, and it has been inspirational to witness firsthand her growth as a player. Working with someone of Maria's caliber is rare, and I am grateful to have been a part of the historic win at Roland Garros and her phenomenal rise back to the No. 1 ranking.
"As I continue to develop my career in tennis, this experience has taught me a great deal," he added. With the victory, Sharapova became just the sixth player to have won all four women’s grand slam titles.
Mamiit, who steered the PH team to numerous international titles, including the Southeast Asian Games and the Davis Cup, did not disclose his career plans, although he last competed in a US Futures in Florida last March where he reached the second round.
Since joining the PH team in 2005, Mamiit has won four gold, six silver and five bronze medals in the SEA Games apart from two bronzes in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He also bannered the PH Davis Cup team from the lowly Group III in 2006 to the elite Group I last year.
source: mb.com.ph
