Phiri, Nakusera crowned NTA fourth senior tourney champions

Dickson “Azzie” Phiri and Elrica Nakusera were crowned champions of the Namibia Tennis Association (NTA) fourth senior tournament of the year, held at Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts in Windhoek last weekend.Zambian national Phiri, seeded fifth in the tournament, opened his campaign with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Joanivia Bezuidenhout, who was drawn into the men’s draw as preparation for the upcoming Region 5 Youth Games.He went on to beat third seed Lian Kuhn 6-3, 6-3 to book his place in the final, where he faced clubmate Johan Theron Jr (Johan Theron Tennis School) in what proved to be a tense clash, ending 6-1, 7-6(4) in favour of Phiri.Speaking to this publication, Phiri was astonished by his performance, deeming it luck.“I didn’t expect this win because I’m dealing with tennis elbow, so I struggled to get my shots going. I think the win came by luck because nothing was working and my shots weren’t landing the way I usually play.”He said grinding it out and focusing on shot placement helped him stay in the match and ultimately secure the win.Phiri further lauded tournament runner-up Theron Jr, his opponent and hitting partner, describing him as a talented player with impressive shot-making abilities.“He should keep up the hunger and fighting spirit he brings to senior competitions. Even though he only became eligible for the seniors last year, he’s made really good progress.”As Theron’s (13) hitting partner, Phiri added that he doesn’t go easy on him, as he wants him to adapt to high-intensity tennis.“He needs to get used to the [aggressive style] I play so he can become a better player,” he said.Women’s singles championWomen’s singles winner Nakusera began her round-robin campaign with a decisive 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ndeumono Wilhem, before beating Emma Zalto 3-6, 6-3, 3-1 after the latter retired in the third set.Nakusera welcomed the win with pride, saying it meant a great deal to her after a demanding tournament.“My opponents put up a good fight and I feel I truly played my best. In the end, the results showed that. It was a terrific day of great tennis and the win was very memorable.”She also extended gratitude to the NTA, her coaches, Johan Theron Snr, Dickson Phiri and Norman Makuwaza, as well as her fellow players.The men’s doubles title went to Nguvi Hinda and Theron Jr, who defeated Mickey Alemu and SP van Wyk 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the final.There was no women’s doubles competition.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Phiri, Nakusera crowned NTA fourth senior tourney champions

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Phiri, Nakusera crowned NTA fourth senior tourney champions

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