02 Apr 2024

Botswana tennis player, Esi Molefe started the World Tennis Tour Junior tournament on a high note, beating his South African counterpart Jayden Summers 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in a game played at the Notwane Courts on Monday. 

Molefe, who seemed to enjoy the homeground advantage, managed to handle his opponent’s fast ball, exposing his weaknesses and  attacking the net. 

Molefe said in a post match interview that he did well in the first set while Summers came with guns blazing in the second set.

He said he enjoyed playing the third set, which he managed to win though his opponent played fast balls. 

His game plan, he said did not work given that he wanted to accumulate the points fast as he was playing against a good opponent. 

However he said he was happy that he managed to win the game. Summers said his opponent played well in the first set, adding that he was happy that he managed to win the second set, although he lost the deciding set.

In other games, Botswana players performed below par as Guy Vorwerk of South Africa beat Ookeditse Ramosweu 6-0, 6-1. Katlego Regoeng lost 6-0 6-2 to Mooketsi Mokete of South Africa while Rethabile Moshaoa lost 6-0, 6-0 against Morgan Jordaan of South Africa. South Africa continued with its dominance with Courtney Kemp beating Atang Mosothwane 6-0, 6-0 while Abigail Wheeler beat Nina Sekonopo 6-0, 6-1 and Zimbabwean Chanelle Zhuwakini beat Bashali Phatshwane 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. 

The tournament, which will end on Saturday has attracted tennis players from southern African countries, Slovakia, Italy and the US, among others. ENDs