Story by Mthokozisi Dube
Zimbabwean budding tennis players are hoping to bounce back stronger to improve their rankings in the second leg of the ITF J30 tournament underway in Bulawayo.
After a not so convincing performance by the majority of Zimbabwean budding tennis players in the first leg, the players have switched focus to correct their shortcomings and improve in the second leg.
The local players dropped points after losing in the first round and posting good results will see them reclaim lost points in the internationally rated tournament.
Junior tennis player, Bryan Dube said, “I lost in the qualifiers but I have been upping my game so that I do well in this coming second leg. I want to improve my rankings so doing well in the return leg will save me.”
“I lost in the first round but I have gone back to the drawing board working with my coach. I believe I can do well this time around,” noted another junior tennis player, Lucia Sitemere.
Zimbabwe’s only shining beacon, Channelle Zhuakinyi who lost to Israel’s Office Behr in the finals is still confident of winning the second round.
“I played a difficult opponent who capitalised on my shortcomings in the court. I have realised that and I have since corrected. I believe I have what it takes to win it,” she said.
The second round kicked off at the Bulawayo counter club and all eyes will be on who will stop the dominance of Israel’s Office Behr.
