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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
Tennis is quickly emerging as one of the Philippines’ most promising sports with rising stars like Alex Eala inspiring a new generation of athletes and fueling a nationwide passion for the game. As the sport continues to capture the hearts of Filipinos, Cebuana Lhuillier — under the leadership of its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who also serves as long-time President of United Tennis Philippines (UTP) — has long been at the forefront of this movement, championing tennis development even before its current surge in popularity.
For years, Cebuana Lhuillier has invested in grassroots programs and supported homegrown athletes, laying the foundation for the country’s tennis pipeline. Through nationwide tournaments like the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Program — which empowers athletes aged 18 and below — along with training opportunities and international support, the company continues to elevate Philippine tennis while the rest of the nation embraces this growing enthusiasm for the sport. “I have always been a believer in the talent and potential of Filipino tennis players. We’ve been doing this for years, long before tennis became a national conversation. And now, thanks to the excellent efforts and rise to fame of Alex Eala, the world is seeing what we’ve known all along — that Filipinos can compete at the highest level. We at Cebuana Lhuillier and UTP vow to continue supporting Philippine tennis so that we can discover and develop more Alex Ealas who will proudly carry our flag on the global stage,” said Lhuillier. At the helm of this mission, Lhuillier’s leadership has helped bring Philippine tennis from local courts to international arenas. Cebuana Lhuillier has stood behind some of the country’s finest tennis players who have carried the flag abroad — Davis Cup veterans and international achievers such as Cecil Mamiit, Treat Huey, Katharina Lehnert, Jeson Patrombon, and Eric Tainio — each a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to nurturing talent from grassroots beginnings to international success.
Today, this legacy continues through Cebuana Lhuillier’s Tennis Ambassadors — Alberto “AJ” Lim, Ruben Gonzales, and Francis Casey “Nino” Alcantara — who are already making their mark on the global stage. Lim, the youngest in the roster, achieved a breakthrough when he helped lead the men’s team to Davis Cup promotion in 2025, signaling a powerful resurgence for Philippine tennis. Gonzales, a doubles specialist with a career-high ATP ranking of No. 116, has delivered victories for the Philippines at both the Davis Cup and the SEA Games while competing on the ATP Challenger Tour. Alcantara, who captured the 2009 Australian Open Boys’ Doubles championship, has since established himself as a consistent performer for the Davis Cup team. “I am deeply grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier for making it possible for me to compete at the highest level. Their unwavering support inspires me to give my best every time I play for the country,” said Gonzales. Lim shared, “Having Cebuana Lhuillier behind me gives me the confidence to pursue bigger goals in tennis. Their support reminds me that with hard work and the right backing, Filipinos can shine on the world stage.”
Through Cebuana Lhuillier’s grassroots programs and international campaigns, Filipino athletes are steadily climbing the rankings and proving that with the right support, they can stand tall among the world’s best. Looking ahead, Cebuana Lhuillier remains committed to expanding the country’s tennis pipeline and opening more doors to international competition, ensuring a stronger, brighter future for Philippine tennis.
