TZ bids for Billie Jean Tennis Tournament

TENNIS Zimbabwe, keen to ensure the present promising crop of Under-18 girls, wants to play host to the Billie Jean King Cup

Launched in 1963 as the Federation Cup and the equivalent of the men’s Davis Cup, the tournament is the biggest women’s tennis tournament in the world. It is contested by countries every year and is a very important event in national team tennis for women.

A senior member of Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ) Glory Gijima confirmed at the weekend that they wanted to push the girls and take them to the next level.

Zimbabwe has not had any big names on the International Tennis Federation competitions in a long time.

These girls have been doing well in international tournaments in the age-groups, in the last four years. It is their consistency through each age of development that is giving TZ reason to believe. They have met opposition from all over the world and taken gold in tournaments that they have taken part in.

“To that end, we have also sent a bid to the ITF to host this year’s edition of the Billie Jean King Cup, which is the equivalent of the Davis Cup for men,” said Gijima.

Gijima said a deliberate effort to expose the girls to international tennis will see the players garner enough points for consideration to Junior Grand Slams.

The Australian, French, Wimbledon and US Open are the biggest individual and doubles players tournaments in the world. Every player dreams of playing at that level and in the Billie Jean King and Davis Cup tournaments.

“We believe that with a deliberate approach of exposing our girls to elite competition will equip them to reach the ranking required to play at Junior Grand Slams as finally, the major tour events,” said Gijima.

She said turning professional requires a lot of financial support.

“Showcasing our girls at the highest level of tennis will attract corporate sponsorship to enable them to realise their goals,” said Gijima.

She said Zimbabwe continues to play host to the ITF Under-18s events to give local players more opportunities to rise in their rankings.

Gijima said TZ had also approached the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and other stakeholders to assist the girls attend Women’s Tour Association tournaments in the region.

Zimbabwe’s top players and their world rankings in brackets

Kuzivaishe Chapepa (598), Kudzai Chapepa (620), Simphiwe Malunguza (639), Channelee Zhuwakini (849), Rutendo Tom (876), Rutendo Mavhenyengwa (1213), Minenhle Moyo (1214), Akeelah Khanye (1297), Claire Majeye (2242) and Thandiwe Nkala (2347)