Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ALTHOUGH Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup team lost in the playoffs, and will remain in Group IV, while two teams — Ghana and Algeria — were promoted after the competition in Kenya recently, Mutare tennis star, Tashinga Mtisi’s stock continues to rise.
Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo were relegated to Group V of Davis Cup tennis on the continent.
The 19-year-old Mutare star, who made his Davis Cup debut last year as part of the Zimbabwean squad alongside Benjamin and Courtney Lock, Ethan Sibanda, and non-playing captain, Gwinyai Tongoona, was again in the thick of action during the Group IV event in Kenya.
In last year’s edition, the Mantas Tennis Academy player and former St Dominic’s High School learner, faced Morocco at Harare Sports Club.
Mtisi said: “Unfortunately, we fell short in the playoffs to qualify for the next group, but representing Zimbabwe at the Davis Cup Group IV event in Kenya was an incredible experience, and a proud moment in my tennis career. Competing against some of the best players from different nations challenged me both physically and mentally, and it gave me valuable international exposure.
“Overall, I think everyone left their all on the court, from the captain to the supporters. Everyone did what they could to help, although we were looking to qualify. For me, it was a great experience for my tennis. I played a lot of tough matches and it was a good warm-up for my next tournaments in South Africa.”
Mtisi relished the electric atmosphere that always accompanies the competition at this stage.
“The atmosphere was highly competitive, and I learnt a lot from playing under pressure while representing my country. It was also inspiring to be part of a team environment where everyone was working towards the same goal of promoting Zimbabwean tennis on the international stage,” he said.
The Mutare-born player is now focused on improving his ATP ranking.
“My future ambition is to continue improving my game, increase my ATP ranking, and become a consistent contributor to Team Zimbabwe in future Davis Cup competitions.
I want to help Zimbabwe progress to higher Davis Cup groups and inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean tennis players. Ultimately, my goal is to compete at the highest levels of professional tennis, including Grand Slam tournaments, while proudly representing Zimbabwe wherever I compete,” he said.
