ZIMBABWE’S top junior tennis players Nicole Dzenga and Courtney Lock headline a strong field of almost 100 players who have entered the three back to back International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior tennis tournaments to be held in the capital starting next Monday. SPORTS REPORTER
By yesterday a total of 95 players drawn from 32 countries around the world had entered the three ITF Grade Four tournaments which run until August 15.
Dzenga and Lock, who are ranked on positions 256 and 211 respectively on the world junior tennis rankings, are likely to be named the top seeds in the boys’ and girls’ competitions when the draw is finalised.
Tennis Zimbabwe president Regis Bhunu said the high number honoured to be hosting the three high profile tournaments which will be oversubscribed because of world ranking points which will be on offer.
“We are really honoured to be hosting such high profile tournaments on the ITF Junior circuit which players all over the world want to take part in because of the rankings points.
“We are very happy with the development because it shows the trust that ITF now has in us which is a real big boost for local tennis.
“We are also confident that our players will do well. As you know Nicole Dzenga and Courtney are the highest ranked players in the competition and we are hoping that the pressure of playing at home does not get to them so that they can play their normal game,” said Bhunu.
The first of the back-to-back tournaments will run from Monday to August 2 at the Tennis Zimbabwe Centre at Harare Sports Club before the second leg takes place at the same venue from August 4 to 9.
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Local and international junior players will have another chance to impress and garner points in the third and final leg of the high profile tournaments to run from August 11 to 15.
Last year Zimbabwe hosted two-back to back ITF’s Junior Circuit in August with Dzenga winning the girls doubles title and reaching the final in the girls’ singles competition while Lock won the doubles title in one of the legs.
The duo are tipped to carry Zimbabwe’s hopes starting next week together with other rising stars such as Alwyn Mushonga, Tadiwa Chinamo, Keren Muswere, Zarah Finnigan, Mark Chigahadzira and Keith Wakatama.
