Damilare Okunola
The National ranking for junior tennis players will be released next week, NaijaTennis Special can report.
This much was disclosed by a director with the International Tennis Academy, ITA, Godwin Kienka, in an interview with our correspondent.
Kienka explained that the ranking will be released after series of tournaments have been played to justify the process of the rating.
He also pointed out that the ranking will enable the academy to monitor the progress of the junior players and ensure that they are ready for senior tennis action when they turn 16.
In his words,”all things being equal, the ranking shall be released next week.
“After series of National Championships-Shell Open, CBN Juniors, NNPC/Shell (Kaduna and Lagos)- we can mow have a credible ranking system which will be based on the points that the players have been able to pick throughout the year.
“We are working seriously on these young ones to ensure that at the age of 16, they are ready to participate in senior national tourneys”.
Kienka further noted that with the developmental programmes being put in place by the academy, Nigerians can look at having a bright future in the sport.
He said: “we have series of programmes for these junior players because they are the future of Nigerian tennis.
“If all we are planning works out well, very soon we shall all be glad to see Nigerian tennis soar high among other leagues of tennis playing countries”.
The junior players will soon begin preparations towards the Zonal qualifying series in Abuja, for the African Junior Championship, AJC which will hold early next year.