THE RETURN TO TOURNAMENTS

Tennis SA has agreed to the return of tournament play subject to a large number of conditions, but at least we have been able to get some players back into the swing of competitive tennis after almost a six month layoff.

No spectators are allowed inside the complex and it was rather strange to see them congregating in the car park or on the bank outside the courts to try and follow the progress of their children! Plus there is a maximum of 50 people allowed inside the venue so with only players and tournament officials there is a rather muted atmosphere surrounding the event.

Our two top boys and one top girl have all now moved out of the junior ranks leaving us a bit thread bare with competitive players but we did enter one boy and one girl in to the local tournament held over the past weekend. Scheduled for two weekends initially but with such a small entry and in some cases combining age groups, and no doubles, the event was done and dusted in two days.

Our under 16 boy Nkosikhona Ubisi (pictured) had a very good tournament. Out of the 32 entries he finished very creditable 5^th losing just one match in the five he played. He showed a lot more maturity and patience compared to last year and was well rewarded for the quality he showed. He has benefited from attending the provincial squad training on a Saturday morning.

Unfortunately our under 16 girl, Kgomotso Mabote, had the misfortune of being grouped in the under 18 singles and found her first round opponent far to strong and steady for her but she gave a good account showing glimpses of some solid rallying. In the end she finished with two wins in her last two matches to finish 11^th which was a very pleasing outcome seeing as she was playing against older and more experienced children.

There is a one day tournament on 24^th September for the less experienced players and we will be entering a number of players some of whom may well be exposed to tournament play for the first time.