AJ Lim uses US juniors in buildup to French Open

MANILA, Philippines - Rising star Albert “AJ” Lim Jr. hopes to improve on his third round finish in the French Open when he competes in the US Open juniors competition which starts on Sept. 4 in New York.

The country’s top junior player is currently training at Los Angeles Tennis Academy in California as part of his buildup for the third Grand Slam event of the year.

“He’s doing well in his training in LA as he intends to make it in the top 10 in the world rankings at the end of the year,” said Lim’s father-coach Alberto Lim.

The 16-year-old University of the East standout made waves in the French Open last May when he stunned third seed Ulises Blanch of the United States, 6-3, 6-1, in the second round after repulsing French wildcard bet Constantin Bittoun Kouzmine, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.

Backed by Philippines Airlines through its president Jaime Bautista, Lim, however, lost to German qualifier Marvin Moeller, 6-2, 6-1, in the third round.

But the youngest winner in the history of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open is ready and confident of his chances in the US Open after trading strokes with some big names under the tutelage of revered coaches in the academy.

Lim was recently lauded by PAL big boss for his impressive runner-up finish in Pune, India that saw him beat a couple of fancied players.