JAMAICA’S first International Tennis Federation (ITF) umpire Raphael Harper continues to excel on the international tennis circuit after having made history two years ago when he was the first Jamaican to officiate at the United States (US) Open Championships.

Since then, Harper has made it to the US Open three consecutive years. The main draw of this year’s US Open actually begins tomorrow.

Harper noted that he had already chaired two qualifying matches and was assigned to do others for the remainder of the qualifying rounds.

“I found it very challenging on the first occasion and now I look towards doing what I love and to continue to enjoy it to the fullest,” Harper said.

The Jamaican top international tennis umpire said he had some jitters having to do one of the first matches on court, but once the match started he was all over and he totally enjoyed rising to the task in a confident and professional manner.

“Next week when the main draw starts, I will be a ‘chair’ for the juniors and thereafter do line in the main draw for the professionals during the final week,” he added.

Harper, however, said what he enjoys most is doing matches before large crowds that get into close matches cheering on their favourite players, which most times are the underdogs.

He explained that after the matches he chaired last Tuesday, two Jamaicans in the crowd, having recognised his Jamaican accent, congratulated him on a great job and said, “Boy, Jamaicans excel in everything they do.”

“What the two Jamaicans who approached me said gave me a great sense of pride, and to be a proud Jamaican,” said Harper.

As a result of being an ITF umpire, Harper now travels the professional circuit nine months out of the year, and is really enjoying meeting and making new friends.