Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE’S emerging tennis talents have enjoyed a decent start at the ongoing International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament in Bulawayo.
With the first round now done and dusted, attention has shifted to the second leg of the competition, where local players are looking to build on their strong performances and make full use of home advantage.
Rising star Kudzai Chapepa was the standout performer in the girls’ section, winning her first-round match, while Hong Kong’s Alex Hu claimed victory in the boys’ category. However, Chapepa could not proceed to the next round due to personal commitments.
It was a difficult start to the second round for Emily George, who lost 6–4, 6–3 to the tournament’s second seed, Sydney Wright of the United States.
“I don’t regret the loss; rather, I am taking lessons from it, as there are things I learnt. I am still young, so I have many ITF tournaments ahead of me,” she said.
Wright, meanwhile, revealed she struggled during the first leg but has now settled.
“The courts were an issue, hence I struggled in the first leg. With this win, I think I have what it takes to go all the way and win it,” she noted.
Tournament organiser Ruggs Chikunichawa expressed satisfaction with the progress of local players.
“So far, so good. We are now playing first-round matches for the second tournament. We saw more Zimbabwean players doing well in the first round, with Chapepa winning, while Ronwen Mutisi reached the quarter-finals. Overall, it was a superb performance,” he said.
The ITF tournaments offer a vital platform for young players to improve their rankings and gain international exposure.
