The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is pushing for the inclusion of former RP No. 1 netter Maricris Fernandez in the Philippine women’s team that will take part in the Laos Southeast Asian Games in December.

Philta vice president Randy Villanueva said the presence of Fernandez will boost the morale of the RP squad, which aims to improve its one-gold, two-silver, four-bronze medal haul in the Thailand edition two years back.

The 30-year-old Fernandez arrived from Los Angeles, California Thursday morning.

After a brief rest, she practiced in the afternoon in preparation for two International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center over the next few weeks.

“I’m genuinely excited to be back. It’s been a while, and I’m taking this opportunity as a second chance,” said Fernandez, who retired seven years ago despite a No. 250 world ranking.

Given the chance to play for the country once again, Fernandez will grab the opportunity.