TM seek extra NSC support for new regional No.1 Mitsuki

Tennis Malaysia (TM) has asked the National Sports Council (NSC) for more help to support Mitsuki Leong, the top-ranked men's singles player in Southeast Asia, as he prepares for the upcoming Malaysia SEA Games. Mitsuki's secretary, Kamaruzzaman Kedah, stated that the NSC is already aiding their team during the SEA Games campaign and they are collaborating closely with them.

The NSC has agreed to consider the additional support request. Mitsuki, a professional tennis player, currently holds a ranking of approximately 400 in the ATP rankings, thus justifying the extra support. With only one player in the top 500, Mitsuki has the potential to rise into the top 400 in the near future. The rest of the team will also receive NSC's backing, but the exact number of participants will be determined after the SEA Games events are finalized, expected by next month.

Mitsuki, who previously achieved a career-high ranking of 405 last month, is now the highest-ranked Malaysian player of all time. Currently at 408 in the latest rankings, he is just ahead of Thailand's Kasidit Samrej (409) and Maximus Jones (493). Maximus defeated Kasidit in the men's singles final at the last Thailand SEA Games.

Indonesia's Rifki Fitriadi, who won bronze alongside Mitsuki, is now ranked 543. Kamaruzzaman also revealed that the national duo Koay Hao Sheng and Naufal Kamaruzzaman, along with promising junior Aqil Adibi Rahiman, received main draw wildcards for next week's ITF M15 tournament in Kuala Lumpur. The hope is that Hao Sheng and Naufal will perform well, boosting the team's seedings for the SEA Games.

Aqil has been performing well in recent junior tournaments and deserves this opportunity to gain valuable experience.