Story by Mthokozisi Dube
RISING Zimbabwean tennis stars Akilla Khanye and Rutendo Tom have clinched silver in the doubles final at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 tournament in Bulawayo over the weekend.
Tom further cemented her credentials for the Annual National Sports Awards by finishing runner-up in both singles and doubles events.
In the singles final, Tom lost 6-2, 7-5 to South Africa’s Botshelo Diseko, while she and Khanye went down 6-2, 6-4 in the doubles final.
Despite falling short of gold, the duo remains optimistic ahead of the tournament’s second leg.
“We feel proud of ourselves. We did not win, yes, but we are happy for reaching the final. We pulled through because they were tough matches, especially in the semi-final. We hope to improve that in the next tournament, and we are going to win it,” Khanye said.
Tom added, “I feel proud of myself after this performance. I hope I will find my form in the second leg.”
In the boys’ category, South African Ethan Dodd dominated, winning both singles and doubles alongside compatriot Luke Verwey.
“The organisation was very good, matches were incredible from the round robins, it was really tough. I had to put in a good fight. I am very happy after playing my best tennis, and special mention to Luke, my partner,” Dodd said.
The tournament’s second and final leg is set to take place this week.
