Local tennis star Mathieu Uwizeyimana is confident of on winning the inaugural Genocide memorial tennis tournament from June 12-14 at Amahoro stadium courts.

The Liberation Day tournament reigning champion Uwizeyimana has intensified his training from once to twice a day at the Rugunga-based Cercle Sportif de Kigali and has vowed to win the three-day competition to boost his confidence ahead of this year’s Kenya Open scheduled for next month.

"I am looking forward to this Genocide Memorial Tournament. Apart from vying for the top prize cash and glory, I will also be using the competition as part of my preparations ahead of the Kenya Open. Winning it would be a massive confidence boost for me,” said Uwizeyimana.

The 24-year old noted that he is aware of the stiff challenge from archrivals such as Dieudonné Habiyambere and Olivier Havugimana among others, but said he is confident his good form will see him overcome anyone.

The soft spoken Uwizeyimana enjoyed the 2014 season, reaching the final of the Axiome Open, winning the Liberation Day tournament and reaching the quarter-finals of last year’s Kenya Open in the men’s singles and semi-finals in the men’s doubles and will be aiming to take his game a step higher.

Over 115 athletes sub-classed in three categories including 25 professionals, 50 amateurs and 40 youth from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda and hosts Rwanda will take part in the three-day competition, according to Rwanda Tennis Federation officials.

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