Joseph Lizardo returns to lead PH’s Davis Cup revival

When the Philippines returns to the Davis Cup from November 20-23 in Bahrain, one member of the delegation will likely feel a wave of nostalgia upon stepping onto the court.

He may inevitably recall the halcyon days of his tennis career, when he represented the country and faced some of the world’s top players in the same competition.

Joseph Lizardo first played in the Davis Cup in 1992 against Indonesia.

He began his coaching stint in the tournament in 2003, leading the Philippines to a top-2 finish in Group III and earning promotion to Group II.

Now, 25 years since his last appearance as a Davis Cup player, Lizardo returns – this time, tasked with guiding the Philippine team toward promotion to a higher group once more.

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) faced suspension in 2020 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) due to governance issues, including questions of exclusivity and lack of regional representation.

This suspension barred the country from participating in the Davis Cup for three years, leading to its relegation from Group II to Group V – the tournament’s lowest level.

With PHILTA reinstated by the ITF earlier this year, the Philippines now has the opportunity to climb out of the bottom rung and work its way back up the groups. The campaign begins this Wednesday at the Polytechnic University in Isa Town, Bahrain.

The Philippine team must finish in the top two among 15 participating countries in the Asia-Oceania region to qualify for Group IV.

The Philippines has a tradition of capable coaches leading the national team in international competitions. However, it has been a while since the team was mentored by a name as legendary as Lizardo.

One of the best tennis players the country has ever produced, Lizardo moved to the United States after graduating high school at UST.

He played collegiate tennis for Temple University from 1987 to 1991, becoming the school’s top player.

Two years after finishing university, Lizardo ascended to the top of Philippine tennis, holding the position until 1999. His accolades include two silver and four bronze medals from the Southeast Asian Games between 1995 and 2001.

Lizardo also represented the Philippines in the Davis Cup for seven years.

One of his most remarkable triumphs came in 1995, when the Philippines hosted a strong Japanese team in the Asia-Oceania Group I quarterfinals. Japan led 2-1 after Day 2, having won a singles match and the doubles match.

Lizardo kept the Philippines alive by defeating Japan’s No. 2 player, Ryuso Tsujino, in straight sets.

On the final day, Lizardo faced Japan’s No. 1 player, Shuzo Matsuoka.

In a grueling five-set match, Lizardo pushed Matsuoka to the brink, taking a 1-0 lead in the final set before the Japanese player retired. Bobby Angelo then sealed the tie by defeating Tsujino in straight sets.

Lizardo’s efforts, particularly his upset over the world No. 46 Matsuoka, proved to be the difference-maker. Months later, Matsuoka reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.

Lizardo also had memorable matches against other top players, including former world No. 9 Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand and Grand Slam veterans Takao Suzuki of Japan and Oleg Ogorodov of Uzbekistan.

Now a California-based coach, the 55-year-old Lizardo brings his wealth of experience and world-class coaching skills to the current Philippine Davis Cup team.

The lineup includes singles players AJ Lim and Eric Olivarez, and 32nd SEA Games men’s doubles gold medalists Francis Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales, both veterans of the ATP Challenger tour.

Rounding out the squad is longtime national team member PJ Tierro.

The Philippines is in Pool B with Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Macau.

To progress, Lizardo must guide the team to the top of its group, earning the chance to face the winner of Pool C – which includes Laos, Maldives, Bhutan, and the Northern Marianas. The victor of that encounter will secure a spot in Group IV.

Hopes are high that the Philippine team’s experience and skill can carry them through.

With Lizardo at the helm, the team’s chances of success are significantly bolstered. His deep reservoir of Davis Cup knowledge and decades of international coaching experience make him a formidable leader.

Lizardo shared his excitement on social media, writing:

“Four straight wins to move up to Group IV in 2025. Just like old times. Thank you for letting me help in the process.”