Uganda’s tennis is on a new course after the country resumed hosting the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Circuit events in 2018.
To affirm ITF’s satisfaction, Lugogo will be a hub of activity again in May when the country hosts three Future events.
In 2018, Duncan Mugabe scripted a unique triumph when he combined with Russian Anton Chekov to win the men’s doubles on Week 4 last year.
That rare feat salvaged the country’s pride and legendary coach John Oduke is right to say, the spirits of the home talent are lifted.
Now David Oringa will lead Uganda’s charge, hoping to scale the heights in the men’s singles when the Week One of the Futures takes center stage at Lugogo beginning Tuesday.
Oringa, ranked 2390th by ITF, is the Ugandan entry that will play the qualifying round in order to make the main draw of 32.
Other Ugandans include Oringa’s fellow Davis Cup-bound team players Simon Ayella, Edward Birungi and Frank Tayebwa who are set to get wild card entries to the main draw.
Similarly, Frank Nyabo, Gilbert Mugisha, Swareh Sebulime and Paul Ssekandi will have wild card entries to the qualifying draws.
The tournament, with prize money or about $15000, has also attracted about 60 high ranked players including 2018 winner Russian Ivan Nedelko who is ranked 436th.
Indian Niki Kaliyanda, who seats in 614th place in the ATP rankings, is entered for the first Week tourney.
ITF FUTURES CIRCUIT
2019 DATES
Week 1: May 6-12
Week 2: May 13-19
Week 3: May 20-26
2018 WINNERS
SINGLES
Week1: Ivan Nedelko (RUS)
Week 2: Ivan Nedelko (RUS)
Week 3: Fabrizio Ornago (ITA)
Week 4: Ivan Nedelko (RUS)
DOUBLES
Week 1: Anand Kunal (Ind) /Giovanni Samaha (Lbn)
Week 2: Anton Chekov (RUS)/ Matt Seenuerger ( USA)
Week 3: Tyler Lu(USA)/ Goran Markovic (SRB)
Week 4: Anton Chekov (RUS)/ Duncan Mugabe (UGA)
This writer is a global broadcaster and as well scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and sports presenter with Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune
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