This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, the Davis Cup Africa Group III tournament kicked off at Nairobi Club, with Kenyan duo Ismael Changawa and Kevin Cheruiyot making a strong start.
Cheruiyot, who took to the clay courts for Kenya's first rubber, overpowered Lucas Andriamasilalao in straight sets of 6-4, 6-3, while Changawa laboured to beat Jean-Jacques Rakotohasy 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (2).
Kenya coach Rosemary Owino praised Cheruiyot's performance, saying, 'Cheruiyot played so well and I was impressed with him. It was a tough match just as we had anticipated and he rose up to the occasion. I had told him to utilise home advantage and that is exactly what he did.'
Changawa's match against Rakotohasy was a closely contested affair, with the Kenyan relying on a tie-breaker to edge out his resilient opponent.
Kenya, who are chasing a top-two finish in the eight-team tournament, will be out to extend their winning run when they face Algeria in their second pool B match today.
