With my last two top 10s, I decided to do a two-part special, featuring the greatest FIlipino athletes of all time. I've always found it foolish to compare athletes from the present generation to the ones from previous generations, as time brings about tons of changes, whether they be the level (and number) of competition to the technology behind the game and equipment. That's why I've made two lists.
Parameters: All athletes with Filipino blood, who performed their feats of sporting greatness between the years of 1920 to 1970 will be included.
10. Felicisimo Ampon
Many people state that height is clearly an advantage in tennis, but no one told FIlipino tennis great Felicisimo Ampon. Despite being just 5 feet tall, Ampon was so good, he was even considered the best tennis player in the world, "inch for inch." In 1937, Ampon brought international recognition to the Philippines by taking Davis Cup Singles Title. He continued to lead the Philippine charge in Davis cup, but his most significant achievement would be winning the Pan AMerican Championship in Mexico. Ampon also won titles in the Far east Games and a doubles gold in the 1954 Asian Games. His most impressive feat, however, would have to be his stints at Grand Slam tournaments. He is the first and only FIlipino in history to reach the quarterfinals of both the French Open and Wimbeldon (he was also the shortest man to ever play in a Grand Slam), both times giving then World's number 1 player Frank Sedgman the scares of his life. Ampon also won the WImbeldon Plate Championship in 1953, which is a oturnament for the players eliminated in the first and second round. Perhaps the best description of Ampon's contribution ot tennis was summed up by British Ambassador Peter Beckingham who said Ampon was, " a great internationalist who has imparted a new meaning to the delicate game and is a credit to the sport."
