04 Aug 2026

Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) is preparing to host the World Tennis Tour J30 tournament on August 10 to 22 at the National Tennis Centre.

The high profile, two-week tournament has attracted around 80 elite junior tennis players from across the globe, including the United States, Europe, China, Israel and African countries.

The tournament will feature top tier and international tennis players, giving local athletes a prime opportunity to earn valuable world tennis ranking points without incurring the heavy financial burden of traveling abroad.

Competing against quality international opposition is expected to accelerate the development, skill and match experience of the host junior players.

BTA president, Oaitse Thipe said the tournament carried immense strategic value, serving as a critical preparatory platform for the African Junior Championships (AJC) slated for Morocco next month.

He said the local players who are in the junior team slated to represent the country in Morocco would be exposed to a life changing pathway.

Furthermore, he said the J30 tournament would allow players to accumulate points enabling them to secure spots in the 2027 edition of the African Junior Championships.

Additionally, Thipe said the tournament would be used to condition and sharpen the national squad ahead of the 12th AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, to be held in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 4-13.

On the economic front, Thipe emphasised that the J30 showcase would serve as a powerful driver for sports tourism and national economic growth.

He said Botswana was actively reinforcing its commitment to youth athletic empowerment while simultaneously positioning the country as an attractive, highly secure, and capable destination for future global sporting spectacles.

The host nation will field a formidable and highly motivated line-up of promising young talent eager to leave their mark on the international stage.

Among the local athletes carrying the country’s hopes are Tunisia-based star Malak Macheng and Tinashe Phatshwane.

Botswana’s formidable squad will also comprise of Camilla Seetso, Bashali Phatshwane, Angel Chakanyuka and Martin Seetso, who are expected to showcase their readiness to battle the world’s best on home courts. ENDS