With the Women’s World Tennis Tour just around the corner, the Nairobi Club Courts are getting a timely upgrade to ensure they’re ready to host some of the biggest names in tennis. The tournament, running from December 30 to January 12, promises to bring top players from Europe, Africa, and beyond to Kenya’s capital for two weeks of thrilling competition. To meet the high standards set by the World Tennis Association (WTA), Tennis Kenya has announced a major renovation of the courts.
The work will begin next week, focusing on resurfacing the murram courts to address damage caused by recent heavy rains. “The rains in the last couple of weeks have wiped out the top surface of the murram courts, and that’s why we’re putting in a new one,” said Tennis Kenya’s executive officer Nancy Nduku. “The renovation should take three weeks, and we’ll be ready by mid-December.”
Nairobi Club Gets a Stunning Makeover
This isn’t the first time the courts have been revamped. Last year, they underwent a similar upgrade in preparation for the Billie Jean King Cup, where Team Kenya impressed by finishing third. But this year, the stakes are even higher, with the Women’s World Tennis Tour set to attract a diverse pool of talent. Players from tennis powerhouses like Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Spain are expected to participate, alongside top representatives from African nations, including Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.
For Kenya, all eyes will be on Angela Okutoyi, the country’s tennis prodigy and reigning Africa Games champion. Okutoyi, a two-time Kenya Open winner, has been in exceptional form this year. She’s currently honing her skills in the United States, where she represents Auburn University in the NCAA Tennis Championships. Just last month, she partnered with Egypt’s Merna Refat to win the ITF Lincoln tennis doubles tournament in Nebraska. The duo defeated China’s Jiangxue Han and the USA’s Amu Zhu in a nail-biting final that ended 6-4, 3-6, 10-7.
Okutoyi’s achievements haven’t stopped there. She also reached the semifinals of the singles category at the same event, narrowly losing to Savannah Broadus of the USA in a fiercely contested three-set match. Despite the setback, Okutoyi remains upbeat as she prepares to defend her title on home soil. “I’m in good shape and ready for the challenge. I know I’ll be up against some of Europe’s best players, but I’m confident I can win the title again,” she said.
Okutoyi won’t be Kenya’s only representative. Joining her will be Rosehilda Asumwa, Alicia Owegi, Cynthia Cheruto, and Zimbabwe-based Melissa Mwakha. Together, they’ll carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its players shine on the international stage. The tournament’s prize purse of Sh7.8 million adds an extra layer of excitement, making it one of the most lucrative tennis events in the region.
For Tennis Kenya, the renovations and the tournament itself are about more than just tennis—they’re about showcasing Kenya’s ability to host world-class events. “This is a chance for us to make a statement on the global stage,” said Nduku. “We want to show the world that Kenya can deliver a top-tier tennis experience.”
As the countdown begins, the atmosphere in Nairobi is already buzzing with anticipation. The revamped courts, the star-studded player lineup, and the promise of electrifying matches have fans and players alike eager for the action to begin. For local tennis enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to watch world-class players up close, while for the players, it’s a chance to leave their mark on a prestigious tournament.
The Nairobi Club Courts are more than just a venue—they’re a symbol of Kenya’s growing presence in the global tennis scene. With the upgrades set to be completed well before the festive season, everything is falling into place for what promises to be a memorable event. For Tennis Kenya, the players, and the fans, it’s all about seizing this moment and making it one to remember.
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