02/09/2026
I can see the kid reppin' PH in Men's Tennis competitions soon. He'll prolly be an asset in whatever format he plays 💪🇵🇭🫡
Belem, Para —- Playing at 3PM under the brutal heat of Belem, Brazil-based 13 year old Filipino junior tennis player John Soriano Villamin secured his very first Semi-Final appearance in a Brazilian national tournament with a very hard fought win over Belem native, and good friend, Daniel Lima 6x4 6x4 in the ongoing Açai Bowl 14 and under category.
John and I arrived in the club at 11am so he can have lunch before his scheduled 3PM match. After lunch, the afternoon heat, which was at least 35°C started to affect John as he suddenly felt lightheaded and nauseous. I was a little worried for him because a couple of kids already wasn’t able to continue even after winning their matches due to the intense heat. Luckily, John felt better before they called his match.
Coming into the match, I knew it would be a dogfight because Daniel is no pushover by any means. He possesses a strong forehand and is a very good clay court player. —- but they’re playing on hard court, on a hot afternoon —- this means that balls will be faster —- the faster the ball, the better for John as he takes the ball on the rise and takes time out for his opponents.
John’s trademark ultra-aggressive play-style was on full display on Court 2 as he dismantled the tight defense of his Brazilian counterpart. Daniel tried to trade forehands with John throughout the course of the match but most of the time would be overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the Filipino.
An even tougher match awaits the “Philippine Tiger” on the Semi-Finals tomorrow morning as he face of against Davi Batista. I saw him play yesterday and today and it promises to be one hell of a task….
…but a tiger doesn’t back down from anything.
Let’s do this, Pilipinas! 🎾💪🏽🇵🇭
