Huey ready to go all out

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am tennis star Treat Huey is set to arrive here Nov. 26 and said yesterday he’s “super excited” to play in the coming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in a text message during the Knoxville Challenger tournament on the ATP tour in Tennessee.

Huey, 34, and teammate Jackson Withrow reached the Round of 16 before losing to Bradley Klahn and Sem Verbeek, 6-3, 6-3 in Knoxville. He’ll be in Houston for another competition next week. “I can’t wait to give it my all,” said Huey, referring to his comeback appearance in the SEA Games after sitting out the 2017 edition where the Philippines failed to win a gold and settled for two silvers and two bronzes in five events.

Huey said he expects the Philippines to be in the thick of the medal race with favorites Thailand and Indonesia. In 2017, Thailand had a haul of four gold, two silver and three bronze medals while Indonesia claimed a gold and a silver. The Philippines’ silvers came in men’s doubles with Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales and in women’s singles with Clarice Patrimonio while the bronzes were from women’s doubles with Denise Dy and Katharina Lehnert and mixed doubles with Dy and Gonzales.

Philippine head coach Chris Cuarto said Huey’s return to action is a “great addition” and will impact on the host country’s campaign for at least two gold medals. While event assignments are still being finalized, it’s likely Huey will play in men’s and mixed doubles. Huey was once ranked world No. 18 in men’s doubles and has made it to the semifinals at Wimbledon and quarterfinals in the Australian and US Open. The left-hander from the University of Virginia has career earnings of close to $1.5 million.

“I will play men’s and mixed doubles for sure,” said Huey, “but I’m not sure if it’s decided whom I will partner with.” Cuarto said event assignments will be announced on Nov. 30, the day before the start of the tennis competition. Aside from Huey, the other Philippine players competing in the SEA Games are Gonzales, Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon, A. J. Lim, Dy, Patrimonio, Marian Capadocia, Khim Iglupas and Shaira Rivera.

In SEA Games tennis history, the Philippines ranks third overall with a total harvest of 20 gold, 34 silver and 53 bronze medals. Indonesia is at the top of the list with 66 gold, 51 silver and 66 bronze medals. Thailand is No. 2 with 52 gold, 45 silver and 60 bronze medals. Huey’s SEA Games collection consists of three golds (mixed doubles with Dy in 2011 and 2015, men’s team in 2009), three silvers (men’s doubles with Cecil Mamiit in 2009 and 2011, men’s team in 2011) and two bronzes (men’s doubles with Alcantara in 2015, men’s team in 2015).

Huey said he hopes to join the Philippine team for the Davis Cup tie against Greece in Group 2 of the world zone in Manila next March. Cuarto confirmed the draw where the Philippines will host Greece in the new Davis Cup world-wide program to replace the regional format.

“I saw the Davis Cup draw when it came out,” said Huey. “It’s exciting. I hope Stefano Tsitsipas comes and plays.” Tsitsipas, 21, is the youngest player ranked in the ATP top 10 and currently world No. 6. “It’s been a true honor playing Davis Cup since I made my debut in 2009,” said Huey. “I was given the Davis Cup commitment award two years ago and it has been really special to play 21 ties so far and to have the most doubles wins in Philippine history. I have been on the tour for the last 11 years and I hope to play for three or four more years. I would love to stay in tennis and do more as a coach when I retire and help a younger generation achieve their dreams.”

An only child, Huey was born in Washington, D. C. where his Filipina mother Manina San Pedro worked with the World Bank. He spent some of his early years living in Manila. “I grew up playing basketball, soccer and tennis and then at 16, decided to focus on tennis and train year-round,” said Huey.