Top-ranked tennis players invade Botswana

The two ITF junior tours will attract players from the United States of America (USA), Europe, Asia, and the rest of Africa. Some of the players expected are top seeded Koronashe Rugare (USA) in the girls' category and Wiktor Jez of Poland in the boys' section. The tournament will be held from April 7-12 followed by more action from April 14-19. The Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) president, Oaitse Thipe, said the budget to host the tournaments stands at around P70, 000 whilst certified officials are remunerated at ITF rates. He told MmegiSport that preparations for the two events are going according to plan, with four officials sent to South Africa's University of Pretoria for a refresher course. Top local umpire, Gaone Poane, will be in charge of the games. “The two tournaments will have ITF ranking points; J30 and J60 points. The points get the players the path to the Grand Slam,” he said. Thipe said the two tournaments will have a positive impact on the economy of Gaborone as players, coaches, and parents will stay in hotels for 15 days.

Participating players