The Tena Tennis Academy launched the Uganda National Tennis Championships on Sunday 5th March with a couple of matches that lot up the events on the day at Lugogo Tennis courts.
The National Tennis Championships was meant to be launched earlier on the 26th of February but weather interruptions forced a change in the dates as rains halted the earlier communicated dates and it was pushed forward to 5th March.
Hadijja Namanda the Tena Tennis Academy and also the President Uganda National Tennis Championships, has dubbed the competition as stepping stone that is looked at yielding more for tennis in the country as they have set eyes on the development stage.
“This is our second edition as we held a successful one last year and had the winner represent is in France, I believe we are going to have a very good one this year. The qualifications were were massive as we received a couple of entries from all over the country as people came in to join we are now here with the 16 top men and women here today for the launch.”
“I believe we are going to have a very competitive season as every wants to go and have exposure in France, it will help the sport of tennis grow in Uganda also help the athletes get the opportunity and get the exposure out there.”
“In the long run we look at getting into the development stage as we look forward to having a league for schools and Universities to feed into the national championship as we can use it as a ranking championship for Uganda.” Said Hadijja Namanda
There was a couple of nine Championship games played with one qualifying game in the women category and also two exhibition matches.
Abigail Nabasinga beat Joy Charity Mugala by a 2-0 win in the two sets played as she registered a 6/1, 6/1 score in both of the sets in the women qualifying category.
In the exhibition games, Alison Comfort beat Winnie Birungi by a 7/5 score in the single set match as Buyinza Herbert beat Frank Tayebwa 6/4 also in the single set game.
Troy Adrian Zziwa who won the men’s qualifying stage attributed his victory to hard work and enough preparations as a key factor which has pushed him to victory as he beat Saidi Mawa by 2-0 in a set scores of 6/0, 6/3.
“I have done alot of training to ensure that I have made it to the finals and win, I have put it in a lot of hard work which has seen me win this qualifying round. I hope to do better in the main draw.” Said Troy Adrian Zziwa.
“The Championships always helps us to get experience and get prepared for other competitive international matches.” Zziwa added
Frank Tayebwa the number one sees has vowed to use the Uganda National Tennis Championships (UNTC) as a tournament which will keep him active as he gets prepared for the All Africa games and the Davis Cup.
“I am really happy that the championship has started today and I have managed to open up my campaign in defending my tittle by a win today. I hope to maintain the performance I have showed.”
Frank Tayebwa opened up his campaign in tye 2023 Uganda National Tennis Championships by defeating Francis Agonzebwe 2-0 (6/1, 6/1).
“The championship is going to keep in shape as I am going to be playing various people as I get more engaged in the game and by the time the Davis cup and the All Africa games kickoff in June I will be in a good shape.” Said Frank Tayebwa
