Van Schalkwyk (15) clinches third senior title

Rising tennis sensation Mari van Schalkwyk has had a good season in the Namibia Tennis Association (NTA) Senior Tournaments, recording her third title last weekend in Windhoek.At just 15, she announced herself as a force to be reckoned with, claiming her first senior title at the season-opening tournament in February before adding a second at the third leg in April.Held at Olympia’s Central Tennis Courts in the capital, the fifth tournament saw 26 of the country’s finest battle it out for top honours and crucial ranking points that count towards national team selection.Fresh off making her debut at the prestigious Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup last month, Van Schalkwyk was the clear favourite in the latest tournament, being the top seed in the singles.She had a bye in the first round and opened her campaign with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Secilia Nghitewapo. She faced second seed Elrica Nakusera in the final and stormed to a comfortable straight-sets win, 6-1, 6-1, to clinch the first prize.The third prize went to Leandre Louw.Women’s doubles winnersNakusera and Van Schalkwyk teamed up for the doubles and went up against the pair of Louw and Nghitewapo, whom they defeated after a tense three-setter, 6-3, 4-6, 10-3.Reflecting on the win, Nakusera and Van Schalkwyk said their first time sharing the court proved a strong partnership.“It went really well. We are very happy with our communication and consistency, which worked out really well,” said Van Schalkwyk.Nakusera echoed the same sentiments, admitting that conceding the second set was a bit of a shocker.“Nevertheless, we pulled through and came out on top. I was really happy to play alongside her. I am very excited to play with her at next weekend’s junior tournament,” said Nakusera.Regarding winning the singles, Van Schalkwyk said the result is especially rewarding, seeing that she managed it while carrying a shoulder injury.“I am very happy with my shots and look forward to recuperating in time for next weekend’s tournament.”Nguvi tallies first senior titleCompeting in the men’s section, fourth-seeded Nguvi Hinda emerged victorious to claim his first senior title of the season.After a bye in the first round, he opened his campaign with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Jaden Westhuizen. Hinda next faced second seed Lorenzo Danster in the semi-final and came out on top after a 6-0, 6-1 win.The final saw him paired against tournament favourite Johan Theron [1], whom he beat 6-2, 6-3 to clinch the overall title.Lorenzo Danster secured third place.Nguvi welcomed the victory, lamenting the absence of top players for stronger competition.“We are a bit short of some of the top players in the country, but it’s towards the end of the year, people are busy. Nonetheless, I am happy for the win. The past couple of weeks, I have been putting in a lot more work, and it shows now,” he said.Hinda and Theron paired up for the doubles. Despite their 6-2, 3-6, 10-6 win over Fraunsch O and Gerald Hays to proceed to the final, they fell to experienced SP van Wyk and Mickey Alemu in another tense clash that went to a deciding super tie-break, which ended 6-3, 3-6, 10-7.– mariud@nsh.com.na

Van Schalkwyk (15) clinches third senior title

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Republikein 2026-06-19

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Van Schalkwyk (15) clinches third senior title

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