SA teens ace African junior tennis championships

Published Apr 7, 2017

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CAPE TOWN – Two South African teenagers flew the flag high as they took the title honours at the Confederation of African Tennis African Junior Championships at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni this week.

Pierre Malan and Carl Roothman, both from the Western Cape, were crowned African age-group champions. The win gave South Africa enough overall points to be named best-performing country at the championships out of the 26 nations represented.

The chief executive of Tennis South Africa (TSA), Richard Glover, congratulated Team South Africa on winning the best-performing nation title at the championships.

He said it was a combined team effort and each player and coach had contributed to the team’s overall success.

“Our congratulations go to Pierre and Carl on their fantastic wins. What an honour it is for both to be crowned the best in their age groups in Africa.”

The two enthusiastic teenagers are vigorously preparing for the nationals, which will start on Monday.

The 16-year-old Pierre said working hard and respecting his opponents have moulded him. “It’s important to know what you want in life and work hard for it.

“I respect my opponents and I learned something new from them every day. The most important thing is to enjoy every match and have confidence,” he said.

Carl, 14, said his love for tennis began at the age of five and he sees himself as a professional player.

“My parents are my biggest supporters. I see myself being a professional tennis player and winning more tournaments.”

Cape Argus

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