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Tafadzwa Nyakudanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN tennis players have been presented with another opportunity to produce better results at the ITF Net One Futures tournament, which starts today at Harare Sports Club. The locals all failed to reach the quarter-finals at the Twenty Third Century Systems at the same venue last week. Veteran Martin Dzuwa, who was knocked out in the first round by Tucker Vorster from South Africa said despite their poor showing, he believes that the crop of players that Zimbabwe has, can challenge the top seeds at the tournament.

“Although I am a wildcard in the tournament, I expect to produce better results than last week. I saw my weaknesses and it is my return of serve that I must work on in order to progress to the next round.

“The country possesses some talent in tennis and its opportunities like these that we must utilise and show the world what we can do” said Dzuwa.
Other Zimbabweans hoping to make the country proud and secure a berth in the October 25 final, will be Mark Fynn, Tinotenda Chanakira and Tinashe Chikanda. Tournament director, Cliff Nhokwara is looking forward to staging a successful event as they did in last week’s tournament.

“It is going to be a tough and bigger tournament and the winner will amass 27 points in the rankings, which will come in handy at the end of the day.”
“This tournament will provide our local players with a chance to also play in other international tournaments.” said Nhokwara. Each player that will participate will be in line to win a share of the US$15 000 prize money that will be on offer.

Another player looking to add on to his success will be Dutchman Boy Westerhof who emerged winner of the Twenty Third Century System tournament.
Westerhof beat fourth seed Ruan Roelofse 6-3, 7-6 to claim the title on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.