Frank Tayebwa and Winnie Birungi are still in celebratory mood after they emerged triumphant in the male and female categories of the inaugural Uganda National Tennis Championship that climaxed on Sunday at the Lugogo Tennis Complex in Kampala.
Tayebwa triumphed over number one seed and pre-event favorite David Oringa who retired in the second set of the finals due to illness. The former had won the opening set 6-2 and was 2-love up in set two when Oringa threw in the towel due to a stomachache.
“This is the first time for me to beat David. I am very happy with the way I have performed and I believe this is a good start for me going forward,” Tayebwa said after triumphing at the Centre Court.
Birungi on the other hand came from a set down to beat Patience Athieno 2-1 (4-6, 6-2 & 6-0) earlier in the day.
The winning pair, all students of Kibuli SS among others win a trip to France where they’ll rub shoulders with very experienced players as they train and compete at the hosting club, Association Familiae Turkerheim Club in France.
“I’m really excited about today’s win and also going to France. I believe the training that side will really improve my game and I’m looking forward to it,” Birungi said.
The championships are organised by Tena Tennis Academy in Uganda with support from the French Embassy in Uganda, Association Familiae Turkerheim Club in France, and the Uganda Tennis Association.
It is the first of its kind in Uganda, and it aims at giving young and upcoming players a platform to compete regularly at a national level.
This is also expected to keep players focussed and motivated to train throughout the year with the second season set to serve off in June.
Currently, it is funded mainly by sale of championship merchandise and financial support from some members of the tennis fratenity and wellwishers.
