Haiti is a country blessed in human resources and natural talents. However few of the Haitian young talents have had the opportunity to showcase their God given ability in the world arena. Fortunately one of the lucky few, was discovered and has since with hard works, perseverance and personal sacrifices made his way through the world of tennis and in the process brought Haiti some much deserve respect and
L-R: H.A.E.S.'s 1999 Secretary, Marc Antoine Leveille', Haitian star Tennis player Ronald Agenor, H.A.E.S.'s 1999 Chairman of the Board of Directors , Noe' Dorestant and Haitian Tennis Coach Victor J.A. Desgrottes.
Ronald Agenor was born in Haiti 34 years ago. For 17 years, half of his life, he has devoted himself to represent his country and his flag, and by winning for his country, he has made Haitians and non-Haitians alike proud of his achievement . He first gained national and international fame in 1982, when he was crowned as the first Haitian to win a gold medal in tennis during the Central America and Caribbean game, where he defeated the current Mexican Champion. In 1984, he was defeated in the Davis cup final by Steven Edberg. .
Ronald Agenor and Haitian personal coach, Victor J.A. Desgrottes focusing with attention on the progress of team mates practicing at Key Biscayne, Florida sunny tennis playground on March 12th, 1999.
During his long career representing Haiti: from 1988 to 1991, Ronald Agenor was ranked 20th worldwide . While ranked # 20, he defeated some serious competitors such as: Jimmy Connors, Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi, to name a few. He later lost his ranking because he stopped playing for a while.
Ronald Agenor using the net as an ally to stretch before practice.
Ronald Agenor strongly advising some young players to do the right things to succeed in tennis.
Ronald who is now 34 years old and is ranked 225th worldwide, is making a comeback and is putting forth his best effort to regain his rightful place in the worldwide ranking. To achieve his goal, he recalled the committed and dedicated help of his Haitian countryman and old personal Coach, Victor J.A. Desgrottes, whom helped him in 1994 to reach up # 30 in the ATP ranking. For those familiar with Haitian music, Victor is the brother of Michel Desgrottes, a great Haitian musical composer. Victor J.A. Desgrottes is also in his own right another legend of the Haitian tennis panorama. For 14 years, off and on, he has coached tennis in Italy. From 1993 to 1995 he was Agenor's personal coach. In January 1999 Ronald and Victor got back together with the goal to once again reach new plateaus in the world of tennis and continue to represent their beloved country Haiti.
Haitian star tennis player, Ronald Agenor.
It is our hope that this Haitian gladiator and tennis player, will once again do well in the game of tennis, where he can do so much good representing the island of Haiti which has known so little fame and so much misfortune. We wish Haiti and its athletes well as they compete to win and continue to preserve human respect and dignity while providing entertainment and promoting sport as a tool and vehicle for peace, happiness, tolerance, unity, and self-achievement for all of mankind.
Noe Dorestant on location at the Key Biscayne Tennis playground during the preparation for the Lipton Tennis Championship of March 1999.
Written by: Noe Dorestant on March 12th & 13th, 1999.
Note: All pictures were photographed and provided by Noe Dorestant as a token of his civic contribution to help promote Haitian tennis on the Internet. If you copy and plan to reuse any of these picture. PS give credit to the originator. All rights reserved 1999. Web page designed by Noe Dorestant.
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