The 2021 Africa Junior Champion Angela Okutoyi is bullish about her chances in the Junior Australian open tournament that serves off on Saturday in Melbourne.
In J1 Tralagon warm-up tournament held in Melbourne, Okutoyi lost 6-2, 6-2 to Yin Yang of Australia in the first round of the singles category. She later teamed up with Ya El Aouni of Morocco where they bowed 6-3 , 6-2 13-11 in the second round of the doubles category to Ana Candiotto of Brazil and Yu Yan Li of Taiwan in a marathon encounter.
For the next three days, the 2018 Kenya Open champion will have practice matches as she gears up for the biggest tournament of her young career.
Speaking on Tuesday, Okutoyi said she is relishing the challenge of competing against the world's best.
"The warm-up tournament was an eye-opener. I learnt a few lessons and have adjusted quite well. With a couple of more practice sessions, I will be in good shape,” said Okutoyi
She said the defeat in the doubles category was unlucky. “El Aouni and I battled hard in the doubles. We were competitive going all the way to the third set,” she said.
The country's highest-ranked junior will be working on several aspects of her play especially on the hardcourt surface before the tournament serves off.
"This being a fast surface, I have to adjust my serves and be in constant communication with my coach Thuku Rogoi," she added.
Rogoi was upbeat about Okutoyi's chances, saying: “The warm-up event served its purpose as an eye-opener and I have told her to enjoy herself."
Okutoyi is among 46 players enlisted for the main draw in the girls’ category. This will be her first Australian Open Junior Championship.
Okutoyi is also slated to play at the Africa Junior Championships in Tunisia next Month as well as play in a tournament in Italy.
