If Philippine tennis has a backbone, it's PHILTA — the Philippine Tennis Association. They've been around since before most people's grandparents were born, and they're the official body connecting Filipino tennis to the global game.

But what do they actually do? And more importantly, how can regular players get involved?

A Brief History

PHILTA traces its roots to the Manila Lawn Tennis Association, founded in 1906 — making organized Philippine tennis nearly 120 years old. The founding president was Major Albert Nossun, and the organization joined the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in 1946, shortly after the Philippines gained independence.

Dr. Vicente Limson became the first Filipino president of the association in 1948-1950. And in 1964, the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) was established right here in Manila — a testament to the Philippines' role in shaping tennis governance across the continent.

What PHILTA Does

PHILTA's role is multifaceted:

  • National governance: As the ITF-recognized national tennis body, PHILTA represents the Philippines in international tennis — including Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and regional competitions.
  • Player development: Through programs like "Tennis Transforms," PHILTA works to grow the sport at the grassroots level.
  • Tournament sanctioning: PHILTA sanctions and oversees national tournaments, providing the competitive framework for Filipino players to earn rankings and develop their game.
  • Rankings: Through the myTennis.ph platform, PHILTA maintains the official national ranking system.

The Legacy

The players PHILTA has nurtured read like a hall of fame of Philippine sports. Felicisimo Ampon — the legendary "Mighty Mite" who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals twice, won the 1950 Pan American Games gold, and represented the Philippines in Davis Cup from 1939 to 1968. Raymundo Deyro, who won the 1958 Asian Games doubles gold with Ampon.

And in the modern era: Alex Eala, trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy, bearing the fruit of decades of Philippine tennis infrastructure.

myTennis.ph — Your Entry Point

For most players, the most practical connection to PHILTA is through myTennis.ph — the official ranking and tournament platform. Here's what it offers:

  • Player rankings: See where you stand nationally, track your progress over time
  • Tournament listings: Find sanctioned events near you
  • Player profiles: Connect with other ranked players

Whether you're a competitive junior chasing ranking points or an adult player curious about entering your first tournament, myTennis.ph is where to start.

How to Get Involved

If you want to move beyond casual play and connect with the institutional side of Philippine tennis:

  1. Register on myTennis.ph — Create a player profile and get into the ranking system
  2. Enter sanctioned tournaments — Start local, build your record, earn ranking points
  3. Visit PHILTA.org — Check for programs, development opportunities, and regional contacts
  4. Connect through Facebook — PHILTA-affiliated groups and regional tennis associations are active on social media

Philippine tennis isn't just about watching Alex Eala on television. It's a community you can join, compete in, and help build. PHILTA has been doing this work for 120 years. They'd love to have you.