As the child of a career diplomat, Phillip Ilako’s budding years after Kenya’s independence in 1963 were defined by several stints in London, Washington DC and Cairo – among other destinations. After globetrotting in his childhood, Philip returned to Kenya for high school at what is now Nairobi School. He then developed a passion for lawn tennis – a sport played on grass rather than hard surfaces. His days consisted of squaring off against competitors and training alongside his brothers Charles and James who were illustrious tennis players in their own right. For Philip, these activities made for an uncomplicated routine of school, food, tennis and sleep.  

 

Growing into Tennis 

As a growing teenager, Philip’s interests diverged away from partying due to his wariness that it would affect his training. Having a one-track mind proved useful for the young player and he even studied a Social Sciences degree in the US on a tennis scholarship. While there, he clinched the MVP (Most Valuable Player) title for three years. But in his third year of university, and having battled losing a sense of home from regular travel, he began to ache for Kenya and decided to return once more. 

Though he had vowed to work and live in Kenya, the travelling he experienced as a youth followed him into his tennis career. In 1978, he represented Kenya at the All-Africa Games in Algeria and in 1979, he flew the Kenyan flag high at the World University Games in Mexico.  

Philip’s success only continued from there and his victories included captaining the Davis Cup in Kenya. This team was ranked 793 in the world by Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in January 1984. The ranking marked a career high for Philip and he also held the title of National Tennis Champion in Kenya. 

 

Beyond the Field 

Philip’s unwavering discipline gained from tennis served him well as he moved past a career in sport and into one of banking. He pursued a Master’s in Business Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated in 1986. Philip went on to gain over two decades of experience in banking before joining Middle East Bank Kenya from 2008 – 2013 as its CEO. 

Still, his contributions to tennis in the country did not cease on the court. His belief in tennis as a positive contribution to his success outside of the sport has led him to lead the taskforce on the Return-To-Tennis which proposed the widespread engagement in tennis after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had passed. The taskforce championed the social, health and economic benefits of tennis. 

Philip was also appointed the Co-deputy of Tennis Kenya and has presided over events such as the centenary celebration of the organisation in 2022. He was also appointed to the committee that directed the Prestigious Billie Jean Cup hosting twelve competing African nations. 

Philip Ilako’s contributions to tennis both on and off the court cannot be understated and he remains firmly in the hall of fame of Kenyan athletes. He proves that with spirit, focus and energy, it is possible to achieve greatness in more than one way. 

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