ZIMBABWE tennis sensation Takanyi Garanganga looks set to eclipse his current world ranking to a new career-high ranking following his triumph in the final of the $10 000 23rd Century Systems ITF Futures tourney on home soil on Saturday. BY DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
Garanganga beat South African Keith Crowley 6-3, 7-6 (8) in the men’s singles final at Harare Sports Club for his third major title on the ITF Pro Circuit in a space of just three months.
When the ITF reviews the rankings today, the big-serving Zimbabwean star, who was until yesterday ranked 483rd, is most certainly assured of moving some places up the rankings after collecting vital points.
Garanganga’s rise on the Pro Circuit this year has been nothing short of remarkable considering that only eight months ago, he was languishing outside the top 800 in the world.
Only in February this year, the United States-based star was ranked a lowly 823rd until his fortunes dramatically changed for the better under US-based Haitian coach Ronald Agénor.
Under the tutelage of the former top 20 player in the world, Garanganga won back-to-back tournaments, the Turkey Futures 35 and 36 titles in Belcontti, Turkey.
With his confidence still on a high after the victory on home soil at the weekend, the sky is the limit for the former African junior champion and 2011 All-Africa Games gold medallist.
This week he will be hoping for more success when he heads to South Africa for back-to-back tournaments — the South Africa FI and F2 Futures respectively — together with Davis Cup teammate Mark Fynn.
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The two $10 000 tournaments will take place at the Fanie du Toit Sports Stadium in Potchefstroom with the first one starting tomorrow until December 9 before the second leg which runs from December 10-16 at the same venue.
Garanganga’s biggest challenge will no doubt come from Rik de Voest, the seasoned South African Davis Cup star, who with his current world singles ranking of 214 he is likely to be one of the top seeds.
Other notable South African entries include Ruan Roelofse and Jean Andersen, who have both represented South Africa in Davis Cup, as well as Keith Crowley, who lost to Garanganga in the final at the weekend.
Another notable entry in the men’s singles is the up-and-coming 19-year-old right-handed Korean star Suk-Young Jeong who has been earmarked as a star of the future.
