To the tune of smash hit Pinoy Ako by Orange and Lemon, Mamiit and the local tennis fans danced together in joyous celebration on the court and at the stands after the prolific and good-natured Fil-Am netter won handily his first round assignment in the singles event yesterday.
The veteran ATP Tour campaigner thrashed Myanmar’s Zaw Zaw Latt, 6-2, 6-1, to reach the quarterfinals of the event where he’s also fancied to win after leading Team Philippines to the men’s team championship.
With Latt unable to return Mamiit’s thunderous forehand shot to eventually yield the match, the local bet gyrated at center court sending the crowd to a frenzy.
"I’m glad that everybody’s having fun. I’m having fun and just showing my personality. It’s for tennis, it’s for the people. I’m giving back what the Filipino people have been giving me," said Mamiit, who has easily become an instant celebrity in the country.
Mamiit said he’s enjoying every minute of his stay in the country although he’s wary of big challenges ahead in the singles event.
"It’s too early in the rounds and I don’t know what’s gonna happen. We have a chance but we still have to put the ball on the court and so with the winners and the last point of the match," he said.
He mentioned as possible top rivals Thai top seed Danai Udomchoke and Indon fourth seed Prima Simpatiaji.
"I have beaten the Indonesian (in the team event) but he’s now familiar with my game. I have played Danai (Udomchoke) at least three times before. I beat him early this year but that has been long months now.
He’s now No. 115 and should be tougher," Mamiit said.
"Hopefully, Eric (Taino) can get past Danai and I hurdle the Indon so we can figure in an all-Filipino fight for the gold and the silver," Mamiit added.
Eric Taino is in the upper-half of the bracket with Udomchoke and has advanced to the quarters also with an easy victory over Laos’ Vientay Thepsouvanh Tuesday.
Mamiit’s match with Latt was delayed by more than three hours because of the morning downpour. But despite the long delay, the crowd waited for the Mamiit show.
It was good that Mamiit regaled them with a shining performance.