Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR years, Zimbabwe has waited, hoping for the next Cara Black.
A decade after the country’s greatest female tennis export retired from the professional circuit, Black, now 46, returned to the spotlight last weekend, teaming up with Martina Hingis to win the Ladies’ Invitation Doubles title at Wimbledon.
The pair cruised past Dominika Cibulkova and Barbora Strycova 6-2, 6-3 in a lopsided final.
It was a nostalgic moment, a reminder of Zimbabwe’s past glory on the tennis courts. But the lingering question remains: Who will step into Black’s shoes?
For a while, the answer remained elusive. Promising names came and went — Fadzai Masiyazi, Fadzai Mawire and Tanya Gombera, but none quite reached the summit.
Now, two new names are rekindling the nation’s hopes — Sasha Chimedza and Tadiwa Mauchi. The teenage duo made headlines last week at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, where they claimed gold in the Under-19 Girls’ Doubles.
Chimedza went one better, winning the singles title, sparking excitement within the local sporting community.
“As the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games wind down this afternoon, Zimbabwe salutes its golden boys and girls for representing our motherland with pride, passion and flair,” read a post on the Sports and Recreation Commission’s Facebook page. “Thank you Sasha (Chimedza) and Tadiwa (Mauchi).”
Chimedza is not related to the former Dynamos and CAPS United midfielder Cephas Chimedza, but Mauchi is the younger sister of Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu.
Both girls are being tipped for Zimbabwe’s squad in the next Billie Jean King Cup, the women’s equivalent of the Davis Cup.
Mauchi (19) is based in the United States and is on a tennis scholarship. When she returns home, she trains with respected coach Gwinyai Tongoona, a former Davis Cup player who has been instrumental in shaping her development.
“Tadiwa has worked hard over the years to improve her game,” said Tongoona. “She’s now at university in the United States, and I’ve seen improvement both mentally and physically.
“She needs to keep working hard and continue refining different aspects of her game. She has a lot of potential and the desire to get to the top.”
Chimedza, meanwhile, is based at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) centre in Tunisia and is coached by another Davis Cup alumnus, Martin Dzuwa.
“The girl did well by winning the singles in Namibia, and also the doubles, which is good,” said Dzuwa. “I work with Sasha when she’s around.
“Winning at the Region 5 Games was great progress. It’s a solid preparation for the next Billie Jean King Cup. Chimedza now has a WTA ranking. I’m also happy for Mauchi. This is good for the nation. We hope they keep doing well.”
For a country still basking in the echoes of Cara Black’s triumphs, the emergence of Mauchi and Chimedza is more than just promising; it is essential.
If nurtured right, Zimbabwe’s tennis future might just be in very capable hands.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter