Raguin’s road ends in the second round
Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 22, 2026 10:19
Raguin fell 2-6, 2-6 to the Latvian in the second round as the local Junior Sportsperson of the Year begins to learn the ropes on the professional circuit.
In January, he made his debut at the junior Australian Open, becoming the first Motswana to do so.
He had registered his first professional tour ranking point with a comeback 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Australian, Zaharije-Zak Talic on Monday.
Speaking to MmegiSport this week, Raguin said it is always a special moment to play at home, as he spends most of the time on tour.
“It felt very special to be back competing in Botswana after spending most of the year overseas. Representing Botswana at home always means a lot to me, and I really appreciate the people who take the time to come and support local tennis,” Raguin said.
He added that his main goal for the remainder of the year is to progress consistently on both the junior and professional circuits.
“I want to keep improving my level, gain more experience in pro events and continue representing Botswana well internationally.
“The objective is to keep building towards the Junior Grand Slams whilst also preparing for the long-term transition into professional tennis,” he said.
After his exit from the World Tennis Tour this week, Raguin said he will switch attention to clay as he prepares to compete at the Roland Garros junior qualifying event. He will then head to Kenya for the Davis Cup.
“After that, I am looking forward to discovering grass court tennis at Wimbledon Junior,” Raguin added.
Local players gave their all during the two-week M15 and W15 World Tour, with Chelsea Chakanyuka emerging as the best-performing female.
Chakanyuka reached the second round during the first week but was eliminated in the first phase this week.
Botswana Tennis Association president, Oaitse Thipe, said the local players had benefitted from intense tennis over the two weeks.