1. Overview

Cecil Valdeavilla Mamiit, born on June 27, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, is a former professional tennis player who initially represented the United States before transitioning to represent the Philippines. He began his professional career in 1996 and achieved his highest singles ranking on the ATP Tour as World No. 72 on October 11, 1999.
Mamiit's notable achievements include winning the NCAA singles championship as a freshman at the University of Southern California in 1996. Throughout his career, he earned a silver medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and two bronze medals at the 2006 Asian Games. Representing the Philippines, he was highly successful at the Southeast Asian Games, securing six gold, four silver, and two bronze medals across various events. He reached one ATP Tour singles final, at the 1999 San Jose tournament. After retiring from professional play in 2012, Mamiit notably served as a hitting partner for Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova.
2. Early Life and Amateur Career
Cecil Valdeavilla Mamiit was born on June 27, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He started playing tennis at the age of six. Mamiit attended the University of Southern California. During his freshman year in 1996, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the NCAA singles championship. This accomplishment had not been seen since John McEnroe achieved it while attending Stanford University in 1978.
3. Professional Career
Mamiit's professional career, spanning from 1996 to 2012, saw him achieve notable success on the ATP Tour, particularly in 1999, alongside significant international representation for both the United States and the Philippines. He primarily played right-handed and utilized a two-handed backhand. His last official match was recorded in May 2012. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 72 on October 11, 1999, and a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 102 on October 30, 2006.
3.1. ATP Tour Highlights
Mamiit's best performance on the ATP Tour came at the 1999 San Jose tournament (also known as the Pacific Coast Championships). Entering the main draw as a qualifier, he defeated several prominent players. His victories included Danish player Kenneth Carlsen, and fellow Americans Andre Agassi and Michael Chang. Notably, in his match against Agassi, Mamiit advanced after Agassi defaulted while leading 6-0, 6-6. He also defeated Australian Mark Woodforde. Mamiit's impressive run ended in the final, where he was defeated by Australian Mark Philippoussis with a score of 3-6, 2-6. This was his only appearance in an ATP Tour-level singles final.
Mamiit made his Grand Slam debut at the 1996 US Open. Across his appearances in Grand Slam tournaments, his best result was reaching the second round in singles at the 1999 and 2001 Australian Opens, the 2001 and 2002 French Opens, and the 1999 US Open. He competed in the main draw of Wimbledon three times in singles, losing in the first round each time.
3.2. International and National Representation
Cecil Mamiit initially represented the United States in international competitions. In 1999, he competed at the Pan American Games held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In the men's singles tournament, he won a silver medal after losing the final match to his compatriot, American tennis player Paul Goldstein.
Later in his career, Mamiit began representing the Philippines. He became a significant member of the Philippines Davis Cup team, maintaining an undefeated record in Davis Cup matches until 2008.
At the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, Mamiit earned two bronze medals. In the men's singles event, he reached the semifinals before being defeated by Lee Hyung Taik of South Korea, securing a bronze medal. He also won a bronze medal in the men's doubles event, partnering with fellow Filipino-American tennis player Eric Taino. They were defeated in the semifinals by the top-seeded Indian duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, both former World No. 1 doubles players from India.
Mamiit achieved significant success at the Southeast Asian Games representing the Philippines:
- At the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, he won three gold medals in men's singles, mixed doubles, and team events. He also earned a silver medal in men's doubles.
- At the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, he secured a gold medal in men's singles, two silver medals in men's doubles and mixed doubles, and a bronze medal in the team event.
- At the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, he won two gold medals in men's singles and team events, a silver medal in men's doubles, and a bronze medal in mixed doubles.
- At the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, he added two silver medals in men's doubles and team events, and a bronze medal in men's singles.
In total, Mamiit's appearances at the Southeast Asian Games yielded six gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
4. Post-Playing Career
After his official retirement from professional tennis in 2012, Cecil Mamiit continued to be involved in the sport. From January 2011 through the clay court season of 2012, he served as a hitting partner for Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova. During this period, Sharapova achieved a career milestone by winning the 2012 French Open, which completed her Career Grand Slam.
5. Career Statistics
Cecil Mamiit's professional career spanned from 1996 to 2012. He achieved a career prize money total of 1.08 M USD. In singles, his professional record was 59 wins and 108 losses, while in doubles, he accumulated 16 wins and 37 losses. His overall career record, combining both singles and doubles, stands at 75 wins and 145 losses.
5.1. ATP Tour Finals
Mamiit reached one singles final on the ATP Tour, resulting in one runner-up finish.
Result | W-L | Date | Tournament | Tier | Surface | Opponent | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 0-1 | February 1999 | San Jose, United States | World Series (ATP 250 Series) | Hard | Mark Philippoussis | 3-6, 2-6 |
5.2. ATP Challenger and ITF Futures Finals
Cecil Mamiit participated in numerous finals on the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Futures circuits, showcasing his consistent performance below the ATP Tour level.
In singles, he reached 17 finals, winning 9 titles and finishing as runner-up in 8.
Legend |
---|
ATP Challenger (7-8) |
ITF Futures (2-0) |
Finals by surface |
---|
Hard (8-6) |
Clay (1-2) |
Grass (0-0) |
Carpet (0-0) |
Result | W-L | Date | Tournament | Tier | Surface | Opponent | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 0-1 | September 1997 | Urbana, United States | Challenger | Hard | Andrew Richardson | 7-6, 6-7, 3-6 |
Win | 1-1 | June 1998 | USA F4, Tallahassee | Futures | Clay | Egberto Caldas | 6-4, 6-2 |
Win | 2-1 | June 1998 | USA F5, Lafayette | Futures | Hard | Nicolás Massú | 0-6, 6-3, 6-0 |
Win | 3-1 | July 1998 | Aptos, United States | Challenger | Hard | Takao Suzuki | 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 |
Win | 4-1 | November 1998 | Las Vegas Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Maurice Ruah | 7-5, 6-3 |
Loss | 4-2 | November 1998 | Rancho Mirage Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Christian Ruud | 7-6, 3-6, 2-6 |
Win | 5-2 | November 1998 | Burbank Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | David Nainkin | 7-6, 7-5 |
Win | 6-2 | December 1999 | Burbank Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Alex O'Brien | 7-5, 6-3 |
Loss | 6-3 | July 2000 | Granby, Canada | Challenger | Hard | Takao Suzuki | 4-6, 3-6 |
Loss | 6-4 | November 2000 | Rancho Mirage Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | James Blake | 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 |
Loss | 6-5 | April 2002 | Calabasas, United States | Challenger | Hard | Michael Chang | 3-6, 5-7 |
Loss | 6-6 | May 2002 | Birmingham, United States | Challenger | Clay | Alex Kim | 6-7(9-11), 2-6 |
Win | 7-6 | June 2004 | Tallahassee, United States | Challenger | Hard | Bjorn Rehnquist | 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 |
Loss | 7-7 | January 2005 | Waikoloa, United States | Challenger | Hard | Paul Goldstein | 2-6, 2-6 |
Win | 8-7 | June 2005 | Yuba City, United States | Challenger | Hard | Paul Goldstein | 6-4, 6-4 |
Loss | 8-8 | May 2006 | Forest Hills, United States | Challenger | Clay | Robert Kendrick | 2-6, 2-6 |
Win | 9-8 | September 2006 | New Orleans Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Amer Delic | 6-3, 7-6(7-1) |
In doubles, he competed in 18 finals, winning 10 titles and finishing as runner-up in 8.
Legend |
---|
ATP Challenger (8-8) |
ITF Futures (2-0) |
Finals by surface |
---|
Hard (8-7) |
Clay (2-1) |
Grass (0-0) |
Carpet (0-0) |
Result | W-L | Date | Tournament | Tier | Surface | Partner | Opponents | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 0-1 | May 1997 | Dresden Challenger, Germany | Challenger | Clay | Jimy Szymanski | Mark Merklein Jeff Salzenstein | 6-7, 1-6 |
Win | 1-1 | March 1998 | Philippines F1, Manila | Futures | Hard | Eric Taino | Maxime Boye Thierry Guardiola | 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 |
Win | 2-1 | June 1998 | USA F4, Tallahassee | Futures | Clay | Kyle Spencer | Jocelyn Robichaud Michael Russell | 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 |
Loss | 2-2 | December 1999 | Burbank Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Scott Humphries | Mike Bryan Bob Bryan | 6-7, 7-5, 1-6 |
Loss | 2-3 | January 2000 | Waikoloa, United States | Challenger | Hard | James Blake | Jim Grabb Richey Reneberg | 2-6, 6-2, 4-6 |
Loss | 2-4 | November 2004 | Nashville, United States | Challenger | Hard | Danai Udomchoke | Jason Marshall Travis Parrott | 3-6, 4-6 |
Win | 3-4 | March 2005 | Ho Chi Minh City Challenger, Vietnam | Challenger | Hard | Eric Taino | Aisam Qureshi Orest Tereshchuk | 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 |
Win | 4-4 | August 2005 | Bronx, United States | Challenger | Hard | Brian Vahaly | Julien Benneteau Nicolas Mahut | 6-4, 6-4 |
Win | 5-4 | January 2006 | Waikoloa, United States | Challenger | Hard | Michael Kohlmann | Scott Lipsky David Martin | 6-3, 6-4 |
Win | 6-4 | March 2006 | Ho Chi Minh City Challenger, Vietnam | Challenger | Hard | Lee Hyung-Taik | Jacob Adaktusson Dudi Sela | 6-4, 6-2 |
Win | 7-4 | May 2006 | Forest Hills, United States | Challenger | Clay | Chris Drake | Eric Butorac Mirko Pehar | 6-4, 6-1 |
Loss | 7-5 | June 2006 | Busan, South Korea | Challenger | Hard | Robert Kendrick | Scott Lipsky Todd Widom | 3-6, 7-6(7-2), [7-10] |
Win | 8-5 | July 2006 | Winnetka, United States | Challenger | Hard | Eric Taino | Scoville Jenkins Rajeev Ram | 6-2, 6-4 |
Win | 9-5 | September 2006 | New Orleans Challenger, United States | Challenger | Hard | Sam Warburg | Chris Drake David Martin | 7-6(7-3), 6-0 |
Win | 10-5 | October 2006 | Calabasas, United States | Challenger | Hard | Robert Kendrick | Harel Levy Sam Warburg | 5-7, 4-6, [10-5] |
Loss | 10-6 | April 2007 | Valencia, United States | Challenger | Hard | Eric Taino | Harel Levy Sam Warburg | 2-6, 4-6 |
Loss | 10-7 | July 2007 | Aptos, United States | Challenger | Hard | John-Paul Fruttero | Rajeev Ram Bobby Reynolds | 7-6(7-5), 3-6, [7-10] |
Loss | 10-8 | October 2007 | Calabasas, United States | Challenger | Hard | Robert Kendrick | John Isner Brian Wilson | 6-7(10-12), 6-4, [8-10] |
5.3. Performance Timelines
Mamiit's performance in major tournaments, including Grand Slams and ATP Masters 1000 events, are detailed below.
5.3.1. Singles Performance Timeline
Tournament | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | SR | W-L | Win % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Slam tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||
Australian Open | A | A | A | Q2 | A | 2R | 1R | 2R | 1R | 1R | 1R | Q1 | Q1 | A | 0 / 6 | 2-6 | 25% | ||
French Open | A | A | A | Q2 | Q1 | 1R | Q1 | 2R | 2R | 1R | Q1 | Q1 | Q2 | A | 0 / 4 | 2-4 | 33% | ||
Wimbledon | A | A | A | Q1 | A | 1R | A | 1R | 1R | Q2 | Q2 | A | Q1 | A | 0 / 3 | 0-3 | 0% | ||
US Open | Q1 | Q2 | 1R | 1R | Q1 | 2R | 1R | Q1 | Q1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q2 | Q1 | A | 0 / 4 | 1-4 | 20% | ||
Win-loss | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 2-3 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 / 17 | 5-17 | 23% | ||
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Indian Wells | A | A | 1R | Q1 | A | Q2 | Q1 | 1R | Q1 | Q1 | Q1 | Q1 | A | Q1 | 0 / 2 | 0-2 | 0% | ||
Miami | A | A | A | Q2 | A | 2R | Q1 | 2R | Q2 | Q2 | A | A | A | A | 0 / 2 | 2-2 | 50% | ||
Canada | A | A | A | 1R | 1R | A | 1R | 1R | Q2 | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 4 | 0-4 | 0% | ||
Cincinnati | A | A | A | A | Q2 | 1R | 1R | 1R | Q1 | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 3 | 0-3 | 0% | ||
Win-loss | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 0-2 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 / 11 | 2-11 | 15% |
5.3.2. Doubles Performance Timeline
Tournament | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | SR | W-L | Win % | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Slam tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||
Australian Open | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 0 | 0-0 | 0% | ||||
French Open | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 0 | 0-0 | 0% | ||||
Wimbledon | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | Q2 | A | A | 1R | 0 / 1 | 0-1 | 0% | ||||
US Open | Q1 | 1R | A | A | 1R | 1R | A | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 3 | 0-3 | 0% | ||||
Win-loss | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 / 4 | 0-4 | 0% | ||||
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Indian Wells | A | A | A | A | 1R | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 1 | 0-1 | 0% | ||||
Miami | A | A | A | A | Q2 | A | 1R | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 1 | 0-1 | 0% | ||||
Canada | A | A | A | A | A | 1R | A | A | A | A | A | A | 0 / 1 | 0-1 | 0% | ||||
Win-loss | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 / 3 | 0-3 | 0% |