By Jon Aspin |
Project Six Foundation Ambassadors Treat Huey, Lizette Cabrera and Ruben Gonzales have expressed gratitude while under lockdown in Australia and the United States.
With no competitive tennis since the beginning of March, all three of P6F’s Ambassadors of Filipino-heritage have shared their thoughts on life during the pandemic, and reflected on their love for the game.
“This pandemic has definitely changed my outlook on things,” said two-time ATP Challenge Tour title winner, Ruben Gonzales.
“As a pro-tennis player, sometimes in the past I have complained about all the travelling and training we have to do. Now I would give anything to be back doing what I love.”
P6F Ambassador Ruben Gonzales with Founder and CEO Daniel Buberis in Adelaide, October 2019.
Since stepping off court in Manila following the Philippines’ Davis Cup play-off tie against Greece, Gonzales has been working alone on his family’s backyard court, as well as ‘reading and doing a bunch of yoga.’
“I was in Manila for Davis Cup (when the restrictions started) so when I got back to the States where I live, I did self-quarantine for 2 weeks. Since then I’ve been staying at my family’s home where I am training three hours a day.
“Obviously it’s not the ideal situation, but at least we have the time to work on our games and improve. My goal is still to play in all the Grand Slams and do well at Wimbledon some day!”
“My number one tip for young athletes is to make sure that they can talk to someone. I’ve had a few up and down days, but overall I’ve been able to see the positives in all the bad situations.”
– Lizette Cabrera, 5x ITF Title Winner, P6F Ambassador.
In Brisbane, Australia, similar sentiments are shared by Cabrera. A five-time singles winner at ITF-level, global travel restrictions have meant she hasn’t played a match since losing out in qualifying for a WTA event in Monterrey, Mexico in early March.
“The pandemic has given me a lot of perspective on being grateful for my health, the travel we do and competing in tournaments around the world,” she said.
After rising to a career-high singles ranking of 119 by the beginning of this year the 22-year-old has also stayed active in isolation, and maintained her high ambitions.
“As an athlete it’s super important to stay active whether it’s at home or running down the street. Just doing a little can help the mind but also maintain your fitness levels.”
“My number one tip for young athletes is to make sure that they can talk to someone. I’ve had a few up and down days, but overall I’ve been able to see the positives in all the bad situations.
“Ultimately I still want to be world number one and try to win a Grand Slam.
P6F Ambassador Lizette Cabrera on her way to the quarterfinals at the Hobart International, January 17, 2020 source: Instagram/lizettecabrera
Back in the U.S.A, doubles-specialist Treat Huey, arguably the Philippines most successful tennis professional, has also used the time to focus on his fitness after an injury-hit 2019.
“I have been in self-isolation for the last three weeks,” he shared at the height of the pandemic.
“After I lost in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Challenger, I flew back home to Charlottesville, Virginia and I have been here ever since.”
“I started my comeback last April after being out for almost a year and had some good momentum before the tour was suspended. I won 2 ATP Challengers, and had climbed back up the rankings to number 121.”
Previously ranked as high as 18 in doubles after a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon in 2016, the enforced lay-off has also given him time to think.
“I honestly never even thought as a kid I was going to be good enough to make it as a professional athlete,” he revealed.
“I only dreamed of hitting the game-winning shot like Michael Jordan or hitting an ace to win the US Open against Pete Sampras, so I have been really fortunate to have had a great career so far on the ATP Tour.
“One thing you miss out on as a professional tennis player though is being home with your family, so I am trying to look at this time as a positive and enjoy my life at home.“
Ambassador Roles
Asked why they had each gotten involved with P6F, all three sang the praises of founder Daniel Buberis, and underlined the importance of the work the Foundation is doing in the Philippines.
“When P6F started up I saw a video of Daniel in the Philippines and immediately tried to contact him,” Huey explained.
“I loved his message and direction and am really looking forward to the future of the Foundation.”
P6F Ambassadors Treat Huey and Rubin Gonzales in doubles action together for the Philippines at the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, December 2019 source: Instagram.com/treathuey
“I think sport is great for a child’s overall development. Learning to work with others when you are in a team and learning about winning and losing in competition teaches you a lot.
“It helped me grow up not just as an athlete, but it helped me become a better more mature and educated person I think.”
Cabrera agreed.
“To be able to give kids an opportunity through the foundation is something very special, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
“The work of P6F in countries like the Philippines is vital because the government doesn’t look to invest in a wide variety of sports.”
“I’d love to see it expand and impact more children’s lives around the world.”
Gonzales is equally as pleased to be involved.
‘As Daniel mentioned to me, sports and physical education have given him so many opportunities throughout his life.
“I’m here to help him grow the foundation and bring physical education to the youth of the Philippines so that they can enjoy the same.”
Thank you to all of our Ambassadors who gave their time for this story. We can’t wait to see them back in action on court as soon as possible. Watch this space for further updates and consider how you can support the work of Project Six Foundation in your local community.
– Jon Aspin]