Russian Ivan Nedelko won the week one finals of the ITF World Tennis Tour – M15 Kampala played over the weekend at the Lugogo Tennis Complex.
Right-handed Nedelko, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday beat 22-year old Irish Simon Carr in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) to claim $15,000 .
Currently seeded 35th in ITF World Tennis Singles Rankings, Nedelko’s triumph against a 342nd ranked youthful star in the same category was a huge way to defend of his world position.
“I enjoyed the game but again that is why I am here. The audience was great and I loved it,” Nedelko, who is in Uganda for the third time, noted during the awarding ceremony at the Center Court.
Nedelko won three of the four circuits during last year’s Pro Circuit in Kampala. Carr admitted that it was a great game albeit a false result.
“Apart from the result that was not in my favor, I enjoyed everything today both on and off the court. The fans were lively and Nedelko played well. I cannot wait for the next round,” Carr said before Uganda Tennis Association President Cedric Babu handed over the accolades.
“We are honored to have completed the first week of the tour. Congratulations to the first week winners and good luck to everyone during next week games,” Babu noted.
Action resumed on Monday and a huge number of tennis stars from all over the globe will be in action for the next two weeks.
