Serena Teluwo lifts her Winner’s Trophy at the just concluded MP Tiger’s Tennis Championship at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos Photo: Damilare Okunola |
Upcoming Nigerian tennis prodigy, Serena Teluwo has won her first local tournament in Nigeria following her 1-4, 4-2, 10-8 triumph over Mary Udoffa at the MP Tigers Tennis Championship last weekend.
Serena, who had won other tournaments in London and in Spain, was made to work hard for her victory over Udoffa, who was playing on clay court for the first time as well as appearing in her first ever final.
A disappointed Serena explained to Naija Tennis Special after the final match that she was happy to have won but was quite displeased with the manner in which her victory came as she was losing 4-8 before showing sheer class and determination to outplay her opponent and win 10-8.
“I am always happy to play tennis, but I was very nervous on Saturday. I was losing points and my opponent was really giving me a tough time.
“The tournaments that I have won in the past helped me overcome Mary because at a point, she also started throwing the ball away.
“The most important thing is that I won the tournament and I look forward to victory in more championships in the future,” she told our correspondent.
Serena Teluwo in high spirits during her match against Mary Udoffa during the tournament Photo: Damilare Okunola |
On if she ever thought of winning the tournament, Serena disclosed that she always plays to win even. “I always try to defeat everyone I play against, this tournament was not any different. It was difficult for me but having played in other countries outside Africa, I have garnered enough exposure.
“I am glad that I won and I truly believe that this is the first of many more to come”.