Tennis Kenya (TK) chairman James Kenani believes hosting the Billie Jean King Cup will popularise the game and inspire its growth in the country.
Kenani said the tournament, which will be held in the next fortnight, will be a game-changer for the sport in the country.
“This is big for tennis. This is the biggest tournament we have hosted in a long time and I believe it will spur the growth of the sport in the country," he said.
Kenani said plans are underway to spread the game at the grassroots, especially in the counties.
“We have lots of talents coming through the school system and counties and we need to tap the talent coming through,” added Kenani.
The chairman has asked the government to fast-track the construction of tennis courts at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
"For the last two years, Tennis Kenya did not get any financial assistance from the government. The government has also not started construction of the 26 public tennis courts at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani despite the pledge made by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019,” he said.
Kenani challenged Kenya universities to offer scholarships to tennis players to help build the sport.
"We have about six Kenyan players on scholarships in the USA. How come our universities are not taking up the challenge," he asked.
Nine clay courts are being constructed at Nairobi Club and are expected to be ready by next week ahead of the extravaganza which is part of the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers.
Team Kenya will be represented by doubles junior Wimbledon champion Anegal Okutoyi, and her twin sister Rosehilda Asumwa, Alicia Owegi and Cynthia Wanjala. Stacy Yego and Melissa Mwakha will be the two reserve players
Asumwa, who arrived early this week from her base in Cowley College in the United States, has expressed confidence that Kenya will gain promotion to the Billie Jean Euro Africa Group 2 next year.
"The team has trained well and we want to do the country proud," she added.
Asumwa, who has played in the competition for the last two years, said they have learnt important lessons from previous failures.
