Successful Renault Clay Courts Challenge Held in Potchefstroom

Given a chance to play on clay courts for the first time on South African soil, local players took full advantage of the opportunity by producing quality tennis across the board in the Renault Clay Courts Challenge hosted by North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom.

With four tournaments having been contested between 9 May and 10 August, in a joint venture between NWU, Tennis South Africa (TSA) and Renault South Africa, thrilling matches were played across a range of age groups.

Over 200 SA players competed in the U-12, U-14, U-16 and Open divisions, benefiting from this inaugural series which utilised the only five Italian clay courts in the country.

"The hosting of the Renault Clay Courts Challenge this year was a huge success for North-West University," said Prof Daryl Balia, the NWU deputy vice-chancellor for Information and Technology and Potchefstroom Campus operations.

"We are constantly looking at new partnerships and new ways of fostering relationships, and we would like to thank Tennis South Africa and Renault South Africa for bringing the clay court tournament to Potchefstroom and to North-West University. We are looking forward to the expansion of this partnership in future."

As expected, the top-seeded players emerged triumphant in most of the categories, but there were also a few surprises along the way.

Turning out as the No 1 seeds, Heinrich Rootman (open men), Kaylin Kroon (U-16 girls), Alexander Bell (U-16 boys), Haniela Hans de Andrade (U-12 girls) and Takuto Kasahara (U-12 boys) all lived up to the hype by securing the titles in their respective divisions.

Hans de Andrade was perhaps most impressive in her dismantling of the opposition, losing just two games in the three matches she played.

Among those who punched above their weight, unseeded players Ines Foucque (open women), Mila Dannhauser (U-14 girls) and Luca Muller (U-14 boys) all outclassed higher-ranked opponents to secure titles in their categories.

TSA General Manager Anthony Moruthane said: “The Renault Clay Courts Challenge marks a crucial moment for South African tennis. Historically, our players have been at a disadvantage when competing on clay across Africa and globally, simply because they have never had the chance to train or play on this surface at home. This series changes that."

He continued: "By giving our athletes access to world-class clay courts, we are not only levelling the playing field, we are building their experience, sharpening their skills, and boosting their confidence. We are proud to partner with NWU and Renault South Africa in creating a platform that will shape the future of South African tennis”.