A total of 13 countries have confirmed participation in the upcoming International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s World Tour W25 slated for this month at the Karen and Nairobi clubs.
They include Ukraine, Burundi, USA, Australia, China, Sweden, Slovakia, Colombia, Russia, Georgia, Spain, Tanzania and hosts Kenya.
Tennis Kenya Secretary General Wanjiru Karani said they had received over 400 entries but had to whittle down to 32 in each of the main and qualifying draws, as per the ITF rules.
Twenty-eight players qualify directly to the main draw and will be joined by eight qualifiers and four wildcards.
This is the first time we are hosting a W25 event. It has been a passion project for Tennis Kenya. The presence of African players is great for the growth of the game on the continent,” Karani said.
Winners will walk away with $3,995 (Sh612,000) whereas the second-place finishers will end up with $2,107 (Sh323,000).
The tournament the players an opportunity to rack up World Tennis Association (WTA) and ITF points with the winner picking 50. The runners-up will get 30 points, 18 for semifinalists and nine for quarterfinals. Reaching the second round will earn five points.
Kenya will be represented by 2022 Wimbledon Junior doubles champion and reigning Kenya Open champion Angela Okutoyi, her twin sister Rosehilda Asumwa, Stacey Yego, Alicia Owegi and Cynthia Wanjala.
Okutoyi, 960th in the world rankings, is relishing a challenge against higher-ranked players at home.
“It's an honour to play at home. I am determined to win and make the country proud," said Okutoyi, who is looking to end the year in style after winning the W15 Monastir tournament in Tunisia in July.
“It has been a good year. Joining Auburn University, playing in the US college circuit and winning in Tunisia have been memorable."
The Kenyan contingent faces a stern test from the top three players in the tournament — Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine, Sada Nahimana of Burundi and Emeline Darton from France.
Karani said preparations for the event are complete.
