adminHigh from May 25 to 28 and is expected to feature veteran players and the current crop of senior players. Participants will compete in the men and women’s category.
Tennis Zimbabwe administrator, Cliff Nhokwara said the tournament is also open to foreigners.
“For the seniors it will be the first tournament this year and it’s open to everybody even foreigners willing to come are welcome.
“All the top junior players that are 14 years and above can also play in the senior tournament.
“This tournament has been there even when things were tough and it is an opportunity where we compare the veteran players and the upcoming seniors, those that would have turned 18 years.
“It is an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent,” said Nhokwara.
Tournament director, Freeman Nyamunokora said they are looking forward to tough competition, as the tournament will be used for various purposes.
“For the tournament we are expecting big entries. We haven’t had many entries at the moment and our closing date is the 23rd of May so many people will confirm their entries around the 18th . We expect a draw of 32 for men and a draw of 18 or 24 for women.
“This is going to be a platform for senior players to showcase their talent especially prior to the Davis Cup team selection. It also shades light to the selectors, who should be in the team, so it is going to be a major tournament on the selection of national teams.
“This is the big tournament of the year in terms of sponsorship because it is valued at US$10 000,” said Nyamunokora.
The tournament director said the matches would be played on clay courts instead of the usual hard courts.
“This is going to be different in that it will be played on clay courts. We expect to have some foreigners because there is monetary prize. Last year it was US$550 but this year it is US$1 000 for men, which is almost double last year’s prize. The winner in the women’s category will get US$700,” Nyamunokora said.
Some of the players expected to compete are defending champion in the men’s section, Malcolm Mutungamiri and is likely to face stiff competition from last year’s runner-up Martin Dzuwa as he is also expected to compete. Another former top player expected to participate is Genius Chidzikwe.
In the women’s category defending champion, Pauline Chawafambira will be out to defend her title.
Online Reporter