Lagos Open Tennis: Nigerians Are Talented But Lack Exposure – Swiss Star

SUNDAY AKINTOYE

Former champion Conny Perrin of Switzerland has described Nigerian players taking part in the Lagos Open Tennis 2018 as good and talented players, but lack of exposure is responsible for their poor showing in the competition over the years.

Perrin who won the doubles in the women event in 2012 and singles in 2015 to 2017 when the International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved tournament was still Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis, noted Nigerian players are skillfully talented, but that there are many challenges facing them from going far.

She said lack of sponsorship and tournaments are some factors responsible for their average performance in the Lagos Open Tennis.

“ If Nigerian tennis players get more sponsors and attend many international ITF organised tournaments, they would be better and go far in the Lagos Open,” said Perrin who is quite impressive with the standard and officiating of the tournament, ” she said.

To the Swiss player, she is not under pressure to win the tournament for the fourth time, adding that her coming to Nigeria is to retain the title won last year and gain ranking points on the ITF circuit. She admitted that everybody want to beat her but that her experience would help her to overcome her opponents.

“ Of course I want to win the tournament again. It is going to be tough for me because there are many girls that are prepared hard for this tournament. I am not under pressure to retain the title but all I want is to take the match one after the other,” she said.