adminseed, Luca Picci 6-3, 6-4, to clinch the title.
Saurombe had defeated Dereck Namaya 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 in the semi-finals and kept his head high as he dominated the four-day tournament that attracted players from across the country.
The 17-year-old, who is in his last year as a junior player, said he was happy with his overall performance in the tournament.
“Yesterday I played Dereck and it was quite a tough match, it was based on the mental side,” said Saurombe.
“It was my first time losing a set in the local tournaments I have played so far and it actually activated my mind and I started thinking during the match.
“I started believing in myself and started playing well and I am happy with my performance
“I am generally happy with the tournament although there are certain things I need to work on when I go back home.
“This is my last year on the junior circuit but I don’t know if I am going to move on to the seniors. So far I am not decided on what I am going to do so for now I am just going to focus on the juniors.”
In the Under-16 boys’ section, Tadiwa Chinamo dismissed Muzingayi Sibanda 6-1, 6-1 to win the title while Keren Muswere overpowered top seed Latifah Yasini 7-6(5), 6-3 to walk away with the girls’ title.
Mehluli Sibanda prevailed over Batsirai Saurombe 6-7(8), 6-0, 6-2 in a match that had to be decided in the third set. Karen Machisa continued with her good run as she scooped the girls’ Under-14 title when she beat Beverly Matsiwe 6-3, 6-3.
Valentine Munyawiri put up a good show to win the boys’ Under-12 title when he defeated Bret Hounsell 7-6(1), 6-2 while Natalie Antkowiak overpowered Nandi Munyulwa 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-3 in a tightly contested match.
The tournament also featured the Under-10s who were competing using the red, orange and green balls as part of development by Tennis Zimbabwe.
For the green ball Tatenda Mutetwa beat Andrew Chigaazira 6-3, 6-4 while Tsitsi Mahere defeated Claire Machisa 7-5, 6-4 in the girls’ section. Takura Muhwandagara beat Michael Happy 3-6, 6-2, 10-4 and Natalie Mandidewa beat Nyasha Samhuka 6-4, 6-4 in the orange ball competition.
Participants that were using the red ball played in a round-robin and Takudzwa Nduku won all his four matches to emerge the winner while Britney Bangidza won the girls’ competition.
Former Zimbabwe Davis Cup legend, Wayne Black, was the guest of honour for the prize presentation, said it was a good development to see a number of local tournaments being held.
“Well done to all you winners. I must say I was just inspired when I got here earlier in the week to see such a great turnout out of you kids playing and its very pleasing to see, so keep it up, well done.
“The main thing is to be up there and keep playing and doing the great things in the game.
“As I said i’ts congratulation to you winners but to those who didn’t win, don’t be disheartened, keep doing the right thing, keep practicing hard and you will be up there one day.
“To the organisers, it’s great to see tennis coming back, very nice to see, great work guys. Well organised event, just keep it up, let’s have many more of them,” said Black.
Online Reporter