This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Published on August 6, 2019, Kenyans Judith Nkatha and Faith Nyabera showcased their resilience to win their matches in split sets and reach the second round of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Women's Tour at Peponi School, Kiambu.
Judith Nkatha, 20, rallied from one set down to stop Gabonese Manuella Maria Lisa Nyonda 5-7, 6-2 and 6-3. Nkatha broke Nyonda's serve to lead 2-1 before the Gabonese also broke hers to level. They were all square at 4-4 and 5-5 before Nyonda served and broke Nkatha's serve to claim the set 7-5.
However, Nkatha discovered Nyonda's weak returns at forehand, which she capitalised on to take the lead 3-1 and 4-2 and would break Nyonda's serve before serving for the second set victory 6-2.
"The first set was tense and tight and Nyonda was accurate in her deliveries. She made me commit errors even without any meaningful attack," said Nkatha. "I had to contain my temper and ensure that I remained focused and patient.”
On the other hand, Faith Nyabera, 19, withstood a stormy second set to edge out Gowda Vibhasree from India 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3. Nyabera took control of the first set to place more balls in but that changed in the second set where she reduced her attacks with her first serve also taking a hit.
“I had only 50 per cent of my serves going in and that weighed me down in the second set even though I was good in receiving,” said Nyabera adding that the two-week training sessions with Team Kenya head coach Peter Wachira have worked magic. “The tournament will really refine us ahead of the African Games.”
