This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On Thursday, the second round of the International Tennis Federation Juniors tournament kicked off at the Nairobi Club, with Kenyan players posting mixed results.
Among the players, Ryan Ateto, 17, opened the boys' singles matches by thrashing Iran's Mani Parasarvesh 4-6, 6-1 (10-4). Ateto's strong serves and high forehand stabs proved too much for Parasarvesh, who responded with double-handed backhand swings.
However, Whycliffe Okenye, 17, lost 4-6, 4-6 to Paul Brunel of Cameroon in the boys' singles. Brunel's high and wide stabs proved challenging for Okenye, who struggled with his forehand stabs and weak serves throughout the match.
Angela Okutoyi, 15, dominated the court in the girls' singles, winning 7-6 (9), 6-0 against Miotisoa Rasendra of Madagascar. Okutoyi's strong forehand prowess swung wide and low stabs that threw Rasendra off.
Cynthia Wanjala, 14, struggled with speed against her 17-year-old opponent Aisha Niyonkuru of Burundi, who was fast on her feet and consistent with her serves that had great spin and acceleration throughout the match.
"I have never played my opponent before so I did not know what to expect and I was worried about being rusty, but I am happy I got through the second round because I am now more confident going forward," said Ateto.
"At least I was more consistent with the balls but I did not move as fast as expected, giving him advantage but I have noted my errors and now aim to improve," said Okenye.
"The match was fairly good with my opponent put up a good fight challenging me to improve my serves to get a win," said Okutoyi.
"I honestly don't know what happened today, I thought I had it but she seemed more prepared especially with her serves that continuously surprised me," said Wanjala.
