Dismal Outings In Governor’s Cup Tennis: Akinloye Absolves Nigerian Players Of Blame

ISRAEL TAIWO 

Unsuccessful attempts by Nigerian players to make strong impacts in the annual Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship over the years have been described as the testimony of the state of Nigerian tennis and the the society it finds itself.

Seasoned tennis coach and former national coach of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rotimi Akinloye said that media men and women should not blame the players for their poor showings against the foreign players because those visitors have more experience and exposure than the local players.

He said it won’t be easy for a Nigerian player who finds himself playing against top seed of the tournament, adding that the result of the match is already decided before the player enters the court.

Akinloye noted that when Nigerian players lose to top oppositions, it should not be regarded as a shameful loss because of the level of exposure of both parties.

He commended some of the Nigerian players who performed very well in the ongoing 17th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, saying that the like of Joseph Imeh Ubon should be celebrated in defeat.

“I have the confidence that if our players get the kind of environment which those foreign players enjoy, they will go places,” Akinloye said.

Meanwhile, the only Nigerian in the Main Draws of the second leg (Futures 5) of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, Joseph Imeh Ubon could not make it to the quarter finals as he was stopped number 4 seed, Ilkel Cem of Turkey in the second round game played Wednesday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

Imeh could not march the superior power of the well traveled experienced Turkish as he lost in straight set of 0-6,3-6.

Egyptian Sabry Sherif also failed to make it to the quarter finals as he bowed to number 8 seed, Mitjana Leny of France in 4-6,1-6 game. Tatlot Johan Sébastien France beat compatriot Setodji Thomas  6-4, 6-1.

Number 2 seed, Egyptian Maamoun Karim-Moha defeated Meda Joel from CIV 6-2,6-7, while Krstin Pedja, number 3 seed Serbia  beat Sood Chandril of India 6-1, 6-2 all in the men’s singles.

In the women’s singles, former champion, who is number 5 seed in the tournament this year, Majeric Tadeja of Slovakia beat Bhunu Valeria from Zimbabwe 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, while number 2 seed, Turkish Aksu Ayla (2) Turkey defeated Bechri Chiraz from Tunisia 6-0, 6-3