RSA dominates southern African junior tennis in Windhoek
Namibia faces early exits
Namibia struggled in the early rounds, with only a few standout performances from their players in the under-14 and 16 categories.
South Africa has firmly established its dominance at the ITF and CAT Southern African Junior Individual and Team Championships currently underway in Windhoek, securing spots in every final across all categories. The tournament, which began on 10 January and concludes on 18 January, features 140 athletes from 11 nations, including host Namibia.
Namibia’s brightest moment came in the under-16 girls’ division, where Mari van Schalkwyk reached the semi-finals. However, her impressive run ended with a 6-0, 6-1 defeat to South Africa’s Roxy Bredenkamp, who will face compatriot Jenna Theron in the final.
In the under-16 boys’ division, Luan Brand made it to the quarter-finals before falling to Zimbabwe’s Tendekai Musabaeka, one of the few non-South African standouts. Musabaeka’s victory was overshadowed by South African players Hlumani Kekana and Ethen Pieber, who dominated their matches to secure final spots.
South Africa’s supremacy extended to the under-14 categories as well. Leago Dube and Lily Hailey will contest the girls’ final, while Tristan Summers and Nicholas Kruger headline the boys’ final, ensuring an all-South African showdown in both divisions.
Tournament referee Pieter Hoeksma praised the event’s organization and highlighted the improved quality of play compared to the previous year. “The tournament has been very well-run,” he said, commending Namibia’s efforts as hosts. Despite early exits, he noted that Namibian players delivered better results this year and could be proud of their progress.
The competition shifts focus tomorrow as the team events commence, following today’s Zonal singles and doubles finals. South Africa remains the team to beat, having demonstrated unparalleled strength throughout the tournament.
Namibia’s brightest moment came in the under-16 girls’ division, where Mari van Schalkwyk reached the semi-finals. However, her impressive run ended with a 6-0, 6-1 defeat to South Africa’s Roxy Bredenkamp, who will face compatriot Jenna Theron in the final.
In the under-16 boys’ division, Luan Brand made it to the quarter-finals before falling to Zimbabwe’s Tendekai Musabaeka, one of the few non-South African standouts. Musabaeka’s victory was overshadowed by South African players Hlumani Kekana and Ethen Pieber, who dominated their matches to secure final spots.
South Africa’s supremacy extended to the under-14 categories as well. Leago Dube and Lily Hailey will contest the girls’ final, while Tristan Summers and Nicholas Kruger headline the boys’ final, ensuring an all-South African showdown in both divisions.
Tournament referee Pieter Hoeksma praised the event’s organization and highlighted the improved quality of play compared to the previous year. “The tournament has been very well-run,” he said, commending Namibia’s efforts as hosts. Despite early exits, he noted that Namibian players delivered better results this year and could be proud of their progress.
The competition shifts focus tomorrow as the team events commence, following today’s Zonal singles and doubles finals. South Africa remains the team to beat, having demonstrated unparalleled strength throughout the tournament.
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