Vusumuzi Dube
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
ONE of the country’s promising tennis prospects, Courage Ndhlovu, delivered a standout performance at the Harare Junior Open, reaching both the singles and doubles finals in a tournament that showcased his growing class, even though he fell just short of clinching the titles.
The tournament was played from 14-17 April.
Ndhlovu, who was seeded fourth, showed strong form throughout, displaying his known form of combining aggressive baseline play with solid court presence to find his way to the singles final.
However, he struggled to maintain his initial rhythm in the championship match, where Devine Kaliofasi dictated play, cruising to a 6-1, 6-0 straight-sets victory.
The Bulawayo youngster had earlier looked in control during his march to the final. After receiving a first-round bye, he opened his campaign with a commanding straight-sets win over Takudzwa Mupindanzanga, taking the match 6-1, 6-2. He followed that up with another composed performance in the quarter-finals, breaking at crucial moments to defeat Mukudzei Chisuro 6-4, 6-2.
Ndhlovu’s standout performance came in the semi-finals, where he faced second seed Andipaishe Chinyemba, whom he beat 6-4, 6-4 to book his place in the final.
In the doubles event, Ndhlovu teamed up with Munenyasha Masunda and the pair displayed good chemistry before losing 10-6 to Kaliofasi and Tawananyasha Shamuyarira.
Ndhlovu’s showing in Harare comes at a time when he landed timely sponsorship from Radiant Reflections Sport.
His next assignment is the Highlands Open, which starts on April 20 in Harare.
Online Reporter