This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On Wednesday, 15-year-old Kenyan tennis player Angela Okutoyi claimed a major upset by defeating Demi Tran from the Netherlands in straight sets to reach the second round of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women's World Tennis Tour at Peponi School in Ruiru.
Okutoyi, who was competing in the tournament for the first time, withstood the first set gremlins to beat Tran, who is ranked 802 in the world, 7-5, 6-1.
Okutoyi's compatriot Fatiya Sharrif, however, fell on the way, losing to Brazil's Mariana Borges 6-1, 6-0 in her first round clash.
Okutoyi will now face eighth-seeded Sada Nahimana from Burundi in the second round on Thursday. Nahimana, who is ranked 596 in the world, had to dig deep in the second set to silence Brazilian Konishi Camargo Silva 6-3, 7-6(4) in the first round on Wednesday.
Okutoyi's strong forehand was a key factor in her victory, as she was able to throw off Tran in most cases.
"I didn’t know what to expect from my opponent since I had never seen her play before. This victory has given me motivation to win the next one and maintain my position," said Okutoyi.
Team Kenya head coach Peter Wachira noted that Okutoyi's training and mental preparation boosted her performance.
"I wasn’t worried even for a second, I knew Okutoyi would eventually triumph," said coach Wachira.
