14 Aug 2025

 Seabo Saleshando has bowed out of the ITF World Tennis Tour J30 tournament, after losing 6-2,6-4 to South African Moeketsi Mokete in the boy’s quarterfinals singles played at the National Tennis Centre on August 14.

Saleshando, who was not fit due to flu, started off on a low note with Mokete breaking his serve in the first game.

In the second game, Saleshando broke back to level the score at 1-1, but inconsistent serving and a lapse in focus saw him broken again allowing Mokete to regain the lead at 2-1.

Following the break, Mokete grew in confidence, while Saleshando’s body language began to reflect his struggle to keep up in the match.

Mokete maintained his dominance, racing to a 4-1 lead. Saleshando managed to hold back serve at 5-2, but luck was not on his side as Mokete sealed the set 6-2.

In a post-match interview, Saleshando described the quarter finals as a tough encounter, acknowledging that Mokete was in a top form throughout the match.

He added that his main focus was now on recovery and preparing for the second leg, expressing hope that he would be fully fit by then.

Saleshando’s coach Phenyo Matong said, despite the player bowing out in the quarterfinals he was happy that he played well.

He said the player was struggling with flu, adding that it was now important for him to recover and focus on the new leg.

“I have to see how he adapts and recovers, and I think in the new leg, he will come with better results,” he said.

On the other hand, Mokete said that he had prepared well for the match, imposed his game plan effectively, and relied heavily on his forehand, which helped him stay in control.

He said the tactic worked well, as it prevented Saleshando from settling into his own rhythm, adding that his strong serving was a key factor in securing the victory.  ENDS