Davis Cup: PH team optimistic despite odds against Stefanos Tsitsipas-led Greek squad

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

The Philippine Davis Cup team is optimistic of its chances despite facing a daunting task against Greece in their World Group II playoffs on Friday at the Philippine Columbian Association in Paco, Manila.

The Greeks are bannered by world No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas, and his presence alone provides strength and firepower to his team.

“It’s going to be tough, but we can promise we’ll do our best. Our goal all the time is to win it,” said 20-year-old AJ Lim, who has been playing for the squad since 2017.

“More than that, we’re excited. Especially to have someone like Stefanos (Tsitsipas) competing against us,” said Francis Casey Alcantara, one of the veterans.

The Philippines is clinging to a home court advantage, although the team believes more fans are also cheering for Tsitsipas.

WATCH: PH #DavisCup team practicing for their World Group II playoffs tie vs Greece on Friday and Saturday. | via @kristelsports pic.twitter.com/cUPacaHiO3

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Tsitsipas is coming off a runner-up finish to Novak Djokovic at the Dubai Tennis Championships last Saturday, as well as a title win at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille, France two weeks back.

The PH and Greek teams held their second training session on Wednesday with the Filipinos coming in first.

Ask about his observation while watching Stefanos hit the ball with brother Petros, Lim could only say: “Lakas!”

Aside from Lim and Alcantara, the PH team is composed of Ruben Gonzales, Jeson Patrombon and Eric Olivarez Jr. Chris Cuarto is their team captain.

The Greeks, for their part, has the Tsitsipas brothers, Michail Pervolarakis, Markos Kalovelonis and team captain Dimitris Chatzinikolaou.

Team draw will be held Thursday with the first two singles set on Friday. Doubles and reverse two singles will be on Saturday.

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Source: Manila Bulletin