Patrombon starts pro bid in F3 Futures event

Jeson Patrombon begins his professional tennis career when he competes in the F3 Futures set in Chandigarh, India. The 17-year old Patrombon will make his debut in the Futures as a wild card entry. The world’s 10th-ranked ITF junior player will get his baptism of fire in the pros, since he will go up against second seed Yuki Bhambri of India. Bhambri is ranked 415th in the singles and is fresh from winning the F1 Futures in India held March 14 to 19. Coach Manny Tecson expressed confidence that his ward will perform decently in this tournament despite many adjustments he has to deal with. “Jeson is now learning the difference in the men’s circuit, that is, that players and coaches tend to be more unsocial and not as accommodating than when we were competing in the juniors circuit," said Tecson. Patrombon had three successive runner-up finishes in three ITF Grade I tournaments, which were held in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Iligan City native expects a tough campaign, however, knowing fully well that what he's entering is the pro circuit, where the elite compete. “This is the men’s world, and as a junior you know they look at you in a different way. That’s why we have to earn our respect here first. And tomorrow, which is the start of the main draw, will be a good test and indicator for us on what adjustments we need," added Tecson. The plan is for Patrombon to compete both as a pro player and a junior standout to keep his top 10 ranking in the ITF. Among the tournaments he will join in the juniors category are the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon, which will certainly help in his transition from a junior player to a pro. - KY, RCJ, GMA News