adminTZ president, Regis Bhunu, said they were now negotiating with ITF to come up with the dates for the tournament.
“We are still negotiating to get clearance from ITF because it’s an international event but we have indicated that we want to have it for October.
“This year they have put in US$40 000 and last year it was a total of US$25 000. It’s going to be a bigger tournament, rather than going for a US$10 000 event we are going for a US$15 000 one but we will be guided by ITF,” said Bhunu.
Bhunu said hosting the tournament is a big boost for both the national association and the players.
“It’s a very big boost to the players, even the juniors.
“They will see the level of play which is played in futures events. It gives them an indication about how far they have to go to play for futures.
“We believe futures events will also give us more coverage because it’s a senior tournament. We are talking of people well known in tennis coming, it’s a boost to our young players,” said Bhunu.
The TZ president said they are happy with the sponsors who have come on board to support the sport but noted that they still need more sponsors.
“Ours is more of a wish, we would want more sponsors to come in. There are a lot of areas we are struggling at like when our players are going for international tournaments.
“It’s more of a burden to parents. We are looking for sponsorship so that the sport becomes easy and accessible to everyone, even the poor because now it’s still a game of money.
“When Tennis Zimbabwe fail to sponsor players it means those with parents that are able to raise the money are the ones that will go and that’s a bad scenario.
“It lowers the morale of kids aspiring to get to the top and even parents. We are looking at stability where we are able to send kids to international tournaments.
“However, we are also happy with the number of sponsors that are coming in to support us.
“Last year Old Mutual came in and did the courts and this year they sponsored the Davis Cup team. It’s a big plus for us,” Bhunu said.
Meanwhile, more than 30 junior players have entered for the ITF South/Central circuit running from July 29 to August 3 at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe have only four players — Courtney Lock, Ronzai Saurombe, Taremeredzwa Mariga and Alwyn Mushonga — in the boys’ main draw while in the girls’ section there is Nicole Dzenga, Latifah Yasini and Zahra Finnigan and the rest will have to go through the qualifying draw slated for this weekend.
Online Reporter