PH's Huey excited to be coaching Murray, Sharapova in IPTL

Treat Huey, the Filipino-American playing coach of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) team Manila Mavericks, is relishing his new role as coach of the likes of Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova and hopes to put on a show for local tennis fans.

Huey, currently ranked 50th in the ATP doubles rankings, will be handling a star-studded line-up in front of a hometown crowd, but said he doesn’t feel any added pressure to perform well.

“I don’t think so,” said the doubles specialist when asked about it. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me as well as everybody on my team. With the great players on my team, I look at it as something i’m really gonna enjoy and have fun doing.”

Aside from Grand Slam winners Murray and Sharapova, Huey will also be coaching retired great Carlos Moya, French star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipkens and Daniel Nestor. The team goes up against the UAE Royals on Friday in the opening day of the unique tournament.

“We’re really looking to put on a great show and entertain the crowds,” said Huey. “I talked to my teammates and everybody’s really excited. Some of the other players I’ve seen have loved their time in Manila. Everybody’s real excited to be here.”

Huey revealed that his Davis Cup teammates have also benefited from the Mavericks’ presence, helping the visiting players stay sharp by serving as hitting partners and in the process learning a thing or two from these world-class athletes.

“PJ Tierro and Johnny Arcilla are the hitting partners of some of the players,” Huey said, referring to two of the Philippines’ top players who have teamed up with him in representing the country in Davis Cup competition. “It’s great for them. It’s an unbelievable experience playing with all those great champions. It’s something they’ve really enjoyed.

“Everybody’s learning from the great champions and former champions.”