The upcoming International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s World Tour W25, set to take place at the Karen and Nairobi clubs this month, has confirmed the participation of 13 countries.
The nations include Ukraine, Burundi, USA, Australia, China, Sweden, Slovakia, Colombia, Russia, Georgia, Spain, Tanzania, and the host country, Kenya.
Tennis Kenya Secretary General, Wanjiru Karani, expressed excitement about hosting the W25 event, emphasizing that it is the first time such an event is taking place in Kenya. With over 400 entries received, the tournament adheres to ITF rules, narrowing down to 32 players in both the main and qualifying draws. The main draw will consist of 28 direct qualifiers, joined by eight qualifiers and four wildcards.
Prize money for the winners stands at $3,995 (Sh612,000), while second-place finishers will receive $2,107 (Sh323,000). The tournament provides players with an opportunity to earn World Tennis Association (WTA) and ITF points, with the winner gaining 50 points, followed by 30 for the runners-up, 18 for semifinalists, and nine for quarterfinalists. Reaching the second round earns five points.
Kenya will be represented by notable players, including Angela Okutoyi, the 2022 Wimbledon Junior doubles champion and reigning Kenya Open champion, along with Rosehilda Asumwa, Stacey Yego, Alicia Owegi, and Cynthia Wanjala.
The Kenyan contingent faces tough competition from the top three players in the tournament are Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine, Sada Nahimana of Burundi, and Emeline Darton from France.
Karani assured that preparations for the event are complete, highlighting the significance of the presence of African players for the growth of tennis on the continent.
