This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Published on September 13, 2019, Kenya's tennis team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup Group III Championship, setting up a thrilling showdown with Mozambique for a promotion spot to Group II.
Kenya's Kevin Cheruiyot and Ismael Changawa have been lined up against Bruno Nhavene and Franco Mata of Mozambique in the singles.
Kenya's Albert Njogu lost to Benin's Delma's N'tcha in his opening rubber in straight sets of 6-3, 6-2, but Cheruiyot salvaged some pride by stopping Sylvestre Monnou in straight sets of 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Then Ismael Changawa and Ibrahim Kibet battled to outclass Benin's Alexis Klegou and Arnaud Sewanau in the thrilling doubles showdown 7-5, 7-6 (8) to earn Kenya a place in the semis.
Cheruiyot used the match to redeem himself after he lost to Algeria's Youcef Rihane the previous day.
"My serves were not as consistent today but that didn’t hold me back from using my other strength including front hand stabs and smashes. I hope to take the good show to the semis," said Cheruiyot.
Kenya's Davis Cup head coach Rosemary Owino noted that it was a good platform for Njogu, who was making his Davis Cup debut for Kenya, and still building his confidence.
